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Oxytocin mRNA content in the endometrium of non-pregnant women
Margareta Steinwall1, Stefan Hansson, Thomas Bossmar
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital of Lund, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden.
Objective:
To study oxytocin mRNA in the human endometrium at different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Design:
An exploratory study in non-pregnant women.
Setting:
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lund University Hospital, Sweden.
Participants:
Thirty-three women of fertile age undergoing hysterectomy or endometrial curettage on routine benign gynaecologic indications.
Methods:
Endometrial tissue was obtained throughout the menstrual cycle. The presence of oxytocin mRNA was investigated by in situ hybridisation and by real time PCR.
Main Outcome Measures:
Oxytocin mRNA signalling intensity found by in situ hybridisation of tissue obtained at different times of the menstrual cycle. Relative amounts of oxytocin mRNA measured by real time PCR.
Results:
The signal for oxytocin mRNA obtained by in situ hybridisation was more pronounced in glandular epithelial cells than in stromal cells. Furthermore, it was most marked around mid-cycle. The expression of oxytocin mRNA was confirmed by real time PCR.
Conclusions:
The results indicate that oxytocin may be synthesised in the endometrium of non-pregnant women, particularly in the glandular epithelial cells. Hormone released from these sources may have a paracrine action on the uterus. Oxytocin mRNA expression seems to be ovarian hormone dependent with the highest concentration around mid-cycle.
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