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Localization and expression of steroid sulfatase in human fallopian tubes
A Yanaihara1, T Yanaihara, Y Toma
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Showa University School of Medicine, 1-5-8, Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, 142-8666, Tokyo, Japan. a-yanai@tb3.so-net.ne.jp
Steroids
|January 9, 2001
Summary
Steroid sulfatase is found in human fallopian tube epithelial cells, with higher expression during the luteal phase. This enzyme may regulate the local steroid environment, impacting reproductive function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Enzymology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Steroid sulfatase (STS) is a key enzyme in steroid metabolism.
- Its role and localization in the human fallopian tube are not well-defined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the localization and expression of steroid sulfatase in human fallopian tubes.
- To determine if STS expression varies across the menstrual cycle.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to localize steroid sulfatase protein in fallopian tube tissues.
- Competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to quantify STS mRNA expression.
- Tissues were obtained from women in the follicular and early luteal phases of the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- Steroid sulfatase was localized to the cytoplasm of epithelial cells in the human fallopian tube.
- Positive staining was more prevalent in secretory cells than ciliated cells.
- Both protein staining and mRNA expression of steroid sulfatase were significantly higher in the early luteal phase compared to the follicular phase.
Conclusions:
- Steroid sulfatase is present in human fallopian tube epithelial cells and its expression is regulated by the menstrual cycle.
- These findings suggest a role for steroid sulfatase in modulating the local steroid milieu.
- The enzyme may be involved in regulating physiological reproductive functions of the fallopian tube.