Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026
Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Expression of aminopeptidase N in human endometrium and regulation of its activity by estrogen
E Seli1, L M Senturk, O M Bahtiyar
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06520-8063, USA.
Objectives:
To determine whether aminopeptidase N (APN) regulates the cycle-dependent bioavailability of interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the endometrium.
Design:
Prospective study.
Setting:
University medical center.
Patient(S):
Women without endometrial pathology from the proliferative (n = 25) or secretory (n = 18) phase of the menstrual cycle.
Intervention(S):
We first immunolocalized APN in the endometrium using an anti-APN antibody. We then determined the regulation of APN kinetic activity by sex steroids in endometrial stromal cell cultures.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Expression of APN in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. Regulation of APN activity by estradiol and progesterone in cultured endometrial stromal cells.
Result(S):
Immunohistochemistry of endometrial sections revealed staining of endometrial stroma throughout the menstrual cycle. There was no detectable staining in glandular cells. The expression of APN as detected by immunohistochemistry was significantly lower in the early proliferative phase. In cultured cells, estradiol inhibited APN activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Progesterone did not have a significant effect.
Conclusion(S):
Stromal localization of APN in endometrium may explain the epithelial rather than stromal presence of IL-8 in vivo. Decreased expression of APN may increase IL-8 bioavailability thus contributing to angiogenesis and polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis in early proliferative phase.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Role of Matrix Metalloproteases in Degradation of ECM
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
01:19Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...