Do facet joint capsular ligaments contain estrogen receptors? Application to pathogenesis of degenerative spondylolisthesis.

Studies showing that degenerative spondylolisthesis is 4 to 5 times more common in females than in males have suggested that hormonal influences account for this gender difference. Estrogen has been shown to play a role in other instabilities, such as those of the anterior cruciate ligament and the shoulder capsular ligaments, and estrogen receptors have been identified in these tissues. We wanted to assess facet joint capsular ligaments for the presence of such receptors. Accordingly, we collected facet joint capsular ligaments from 14 consecutive patients undergoing lumbar spinal fusion. Tissue sample analysis was performed by immunohistology using prediluted estrogen monoclonal antibody (Vantana) and automated immunostaining on a Vantana instrument. None of the specimens analyzed contained estrogen receptors. We conclude that, though degenerative spondylolisthesis may have hormonal influences, estrogen seems not to play a direct role in its development.