Figure 2

ERα B-cell subsets in WT, ERα-deficient and ERβ-deficient mice after administration of E2 or placebo. (A) Transitional B-cell subset in WT, ERα-deficient and ERβ-deficient mice. WT, ERα-deficient and ERβ-deficient mice were treated with E2 or placebo for 3 wks, and splenocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. Transitional B cells were identified as B220⁺CD24^high cells. E2 but not placebo exposure reduced transitional B cells. (B) MZ B cells were identified as B220⁺CD24^lowCD21^highCD23^neg cells. MZ B cells were expanded by E2 but not placebo exposure in WT, ERα-deficient and ERβ-deficient mice. At least five mice were included in each group, and representative dot blots are shown.