Estradiol regulates E-cadherin mRNA levels in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary.

E-cadherin is a calcium-dependent cell adhesion molecule which is present in the surface epithelium of the mouse ovary. This cell adhesion molecule has been implicated as a suppressor of tumorigenesis. The regulators of E-cadherin mRNA levels in the ovary have not been identified. We have examined the ability of steroids to influence ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels in vivo. Immature mice were injected with either progesterone, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, 17-beta estradiol or 17-alpha estradiol. Only 17-beta estradiol caused a rapid and significant increase in the ovarian E-cadherin mRNA levels. We speculate that this steroid is a key regulator of E-cadherin-mediated epithelial cell interactions in vivo. We also discuss the possibility that the carcinogenic effects of estrogens on the ovary may be related to their ability to regulate E-cadherin levels in this tissue.