Objective To investigate the express of ERβ protein in female slow transit constipation (STC) patients. Methods Immunohistochemistry and Western blot technique were used to detect the distribution and expression of estrogen receptor β (ERβ) protein of 20 patients with STC and 20 aged-matched controls. Results ERβ expressions were detected in mucous layer, myenteric nerve plexus and submucous nerve plexus in two groups. In comparison with the control group, the expression of ERβ protein of STC group was much lower (Plt;0.01). The expression of ERβ protein of sigmoid colon in STC group was significantly lower than that in control group (Plt;0.05). Conclusion The expression of ERβ protein decreased in myenteric and submucous nerve plexus of sigmoid colon tissues may involve in the pathogenesis of STC.
