[Expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator in human endometrium]

To study expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in human endometrium.

The expression of CFTR mRNA and protein from 50 samples of normal cyclic human endometrium was examined by in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting respectively.

CFTR mRNA and protein expressions were only detected in the endometrial glandular cells with cyclic changes. CFTR mRNA could be detected from the midproliferative phase with the highest level found in the late proliferative phase, significantly higher than those of late-secretory phase endometrium (P < 0.05). While a large quantity of CFTR protein were seen in late proliferative phase and still presented in the secretive and menstrual phases. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that human endometrium expressed the special CFTR band at 170 000.

The expression of CFTR in human endometrium presented in glandular cells and the amounts were varied cyclically. The abundant CFTR mRNAs and proteins around the ovulatory period may drive Na(+) and fluid from plasma into the uterine lumen to make optimal electrolyte composition and sufficient fluid volume for sperm migration.