Retinoid X receptor mRNA expression in human pituitary gland

Retinoic acid is involved in important physiological processes such as the regulation of growth and differentiation of several tissues, including the pituitary gland. These biological effects are mediated by their binding to two specific intracellular receptors termed retinoic acid and retinoid X receptors, RARs, RXR, respectively). RAR or RXR mRNA expression has been demonstrated in several tissues, but little information is available about its presence in the human pituitary gland. In this report, we demonstrate alpha RXR mRNA expression using the reverse transcription coupled to polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the human pituitary gland. These results suggest the possibility that RXR may regulate the human pituitary gene expression and hormone secretion.