Integrin adhesion molecules in the human endometrium. Correlation with the normal and abnormal menstrual cycle
B A Lessey1, L Damjanovich, C Coutifaris
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia 19104.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Integrin expression in the human endometrium changes throughout the menstrual cycle. Specific integrins, like beta 3, are crucial for uterine receptivity and may be disrupted in infertility.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Integrins are vital cell adhesion molecules mediating cell-cell and cell-substratum interactions.
- They are ubiquitously expressed across human cells, playing key roles in tissue structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of nine alpha and beta integrin subunits in human endometrial tissue.
- To determine how integrin expression varies across different stages of the menstrual cycle.
- To explore the potential link between integrin expression changes and infertility.
Main Methods:
- Immunoperoxidase staining was employed to visualize integrin subunit distribution.
- Human endometrial tissue samples were analyzed at various points in the menstrual cycle.
- Expression patterns of specific integrin subunits (e.g., alpha 1, alpha v, beta 3) were characterized.
Main Results:
- Glandular epithelial cells predominantly expressed collagen/laminin receptors (alpha 2, alpha 3, alpha 6), while stromal cells expressed fibronectin receptors (alpha 5).
- Alpha 1 expression on glandular cells was restricted to the secretory phase.
- Vitronectin receptor (alpha v beta 3) expression showed cycle-specific changes, with beta 3 appearing on day 20. Delayed beta 3 staining was observed in luteal phase biopsies from infertile patients.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial integrin expression exhibits both similarities and differences compared to other epithelial tissues.
- Specific integrin moieties are regulated cyclically within the endometrium.
- Disruptions in integrin expression may be associated with reduced uterine receptivity and infertility.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Integrins
Animal and protozoan cells do not have cell walls to help maintain shape and provide structural stability. Instead, these eukaryotic cells secrete a sticky mass of carbohydrates and proteins into the spaces between adjacent cells. This network of proteins and molecules is called an extracellular matrix or ECM.
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
Some ECM proteins assemble into a basement membrane to which the remaining components adhere. Proteoglycans typically form the bulk of the ECM while fibrous proteins, like collagen,...
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
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 release.
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 release.
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:20Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
01:19Secretory Phase
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...