The vast number of reports dealing with estrogen and its associated molecularsignaling cascades deal with genomic processes. However, recently data is emerging that demonstratesthat estrogen may also work via estrogen cell surface receptors. In this regard, we describe such receptorson human monocytes, granulocytes and vascular endothelial cells. It would appear that these receptorsare coupled to constitutive nitric oxide synthase derived nitric oxide release via the stimulation ofintracellular calcium transients. It is this cascade that has the ability to down regulate both immuneand vascular cellular processes, i. e, adherence. Based on this, for example we surmise that in menopausean earlier initiation of estrogen therapy may be more beneficial so as to prevent a decrease in its cellularsignaling and maintenance functions, at least with respect to NO-related events.

Keywords: Granulocytes, Monocytes, Neutrophils, Nitric Oxide, Nitric-Oxide Synthase, Receptors, Estrogen, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov, Research Support, U.S. Gov