Changes of leucocytic estrogen receptor levels in patients with climacteric syndrome and the therapeutic effects of Liuwei Dihuang Pills (六位地黄)

Abstract

The levels of estrogen receptor (ER) in human peripheral leucocytes in 22 women with climacteric syndrome were measured by radioligand method. The results were compared with those of 12 healthy women of child-bearing age. It was found that the contents of leucocytic ER in patients with climacteric syndrome were significantly lower than healthy women of child-bearing age (372±149 vs 1143 ±255 Rs binding sites/cell). The authors used a Chinese prescription — Liuwei Dihuang Pills (LDP) to treat the patients for 2 months. The levels of leucocytic ER were increased after treatment. The data indicate a decrease of ER levels in leucocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of climacteric syndrome. LDP not only increase plasma estradiol levels, but also increase the leucocytic ER levels. This may be the basis of the therapeutic effect of LDP on climacteric syndrome.