Abstract:
Remodelling of cancellous bone of antlers to compact bone can be stimulated byadministra-tion of oestrogens and previous work has demonstrated the presenceof specific oestrogen binding in this tissue. In this study the presence ofoestrogen receptors (ER) in antler tissue from red deer males was exam-ined byimmunocytochemistry using a monoclonal mouse anti-human ER serum. Strongpositive staining was detected in the tip regions of immature antlers and wasconfined primarily to the cells forming a fibrous layer of the perichondrium.This finding indicates that the effects of oestrogens on remodelling ofcancel-lous bone of the antler may be mediated indirectly by the surroundingconnective tissue layers.