Related Experiment Videos
Prolactin receptor in human endometriotic tissues
Luisa Bermejo Martinez1, Manual Zamarripa Leyva, Ivone Castro Romero
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Montes Urales 800, Col Lomas de Virreyes, Mexico D.F., CP 11000. jicastro@mail.ssa.gob.mx
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|April 12, 2002
Summary
Prolactin receptor (PRLR) is present in normal uterine tissue but largely absent in endometriosis tissue. This suggests differential regulation of PRLR expression in endometriosis, independent of serum prolactin levels.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Augmented serum prolactin (PRL) levels are linked to infertility in endometriosis patients.
- The specific role of PRL or its receptor (PRLR) in endometriosis development is unclear.
- This study investigates PRLR expression in endometriotic and normal endometrial tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the expression of the prolactin receptor (PRLR) in human endometriotic and normal endometrial tissues.
- To determine if PRLR expression correlates with serum prolactin levels in endometriosis patients.
Main Methods:
- RT-PCR was used to evaluate PRLR expression in endometrial and endometriotic tissues from 14 patients.
- Serum prolactin and peritoneal fluid estradiol levels were measured using radioimmunoassays (RIA).
- Tissues were obtained during the mid-late proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- PRLR transcript was negative in 86% of endometriotic tissues but positive in 79% of normal endometrial tissues.
- Serum prolactin concentrations showed an association with PRLR expression in normal tissue, but not in endometriotic tissue.
- PRLR expression was significantly different between normal endometrium and endometriotic tissue.
Conclusions:
- The prolactin receptor (PRLR) is expressed in normal endometrium but largely absent in endometriotic tissues during the mid-late proliferative phase.
- Absence of PRLR in endometriotic tissue was not correlated with serum prolactin levels.
- Suggests differential regulation of PRLR expression in normal versus endometriotic tissues.