Related Experiment Videos
Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 expression in human corpus luteum
L M Senturk1, E Seli, L S Gutierrez
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520-8063, USA.
Molecular Human Reproduction
|July 28, 1999
Summary
Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and macrophages increase during corpus luteum regression. MCP-1, primarily in surrounding blood vessels, likely recruits macrophages, aiding luteal regression.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Macrophage invasion characterizes corpus luteum (CL) regression.
- Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) recruits macrophages and is upregulated during rat luteolysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the temporal and spatial expression of MCP-1 and macrophage concentration in the human corpus luteum during its regression.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect MCP-1 and macrophages in 39 human corpora lutea across menstrual cycle phases.
- Northern blot analysis quantified MCP-1 mRNA expression.
Main Results:
- Macrophage numbers significantly increased with luteolysis (P < 0.001).
- MCP-1 staining intensity was higher in regressing CL (P < 0.05) and prominent in surrounding blood vessels.
- MCP-1 mRNA expression was significantly elevated in regressing CL (P = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- MCP-1 expression and macrophage infiltration increase as the corpus luteum regresses.
- MCP-1, particularly in perivascular regions, may be crucial for macrophage recruitment during human CL regression.