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About 75 years after the discovery
of the pregnancy-related hormone relaxin, scientists finally have identified
the receptors that bind with the hormone. The discovery provides new targets
for drugs to treat pregnancy problems as well as other conditions thought
to be affected by relaxin.
Relaxin performs a number of
functions during pregnancy and childbirth, including promoting
the growth and dilation of the cervix. But the hormone's effects
are not limited to pregnancy. It seems to play a role in building
new blood vessels, and may have several other functions.
Even though researchers have
known about relaxin for years, they have not been able to find the cell
structures, or receptors, to which relaxin attaches.
Researchers have identified
two proteins that serve as relaxin receptors. The receptors -- proteins
called LGR7 and LGR8 -- in the heart, brain, kidney and a variety of other
non-reproductive tissues. This "highlights the important roles of
this hormone" in a variety of processes including congestive heart
failure and brain function.
It is possible that the discovery
of relaxin receptors may also lead to better
treatment for wound healing and better relief of postmenopausal symptoms.
Levels of relaxin, like those
of estrogen and progesterone, diminish during menopause. It is possible
that we are overlooking the important therapeutic benefits of relaxin
by using only estrogen hormone replacement therapy for treating postmenopausal
women.
Science January 25, 2002;295:671-674
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