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Published on: August 4, 2021
Identification of the M-CSF receptor in endometriosis by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR
Liselotte Mettler1, Andreas G Schmutzler, Kerstin Koch
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospitals Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany. endo-office@email.uni-kiel.de
Problem:
The aim of this paper is to provide further evidence that the dystopic proliferation of endometriotic epithelia is caused by the stimulation of peritoneal macrophages. It is essential to show that endometriotic epithelial cells express the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) which binds the M-CSF produced by the peritoneal macrophages.
Method Of Study:
For the detection of M-CSFR, samples of ectopic endometrium (n = 79) and eutopic endometrium (n = 18) were compared. The specimens were gained at operative laparoscopy in the proliferative phase of the cycle. Cryostat sections were used for immunohistochemical detection. For in vitro reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests, the tissue was immediately shock frozen on paraffin sections. For the in situ RT-PCR technique the specimens were placed in a para-formaldehyde solution, embedded in paraffin and later processed. The Gene Amp 1000 in situ PCR system (Perkin Elmer) was used as the thermal cycler.
Results:
M-CSF and the M-CSF receptor are present in eutopic and ectopic endometrium. Qualitatively, with both PCR techniques we found the M-CSF receptor to be present in all samples examined. Using the histochemical detection technique, the M-CSF receptor was found in nearly 70% of endometriosis patients compared with a statistically significant lower percentage in normal endometrium.
Conclusions:
The in situ RT-PCR technique and immunohistochemistry elaborated the need to trace the cellular sources of the M-CSF receptor. The identification of the M-CSF receptor in endometriotic tissue and in endometrium is apt to open a new experimental field in endometriosis research.
Insights
Endometriotic epithelial cells express the macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR), suggesting peritoneal macrophages stimulate endometriosis growth. This receptor was found in most endometriosis patients, unlike normal endometrium.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial tissue.
- Peritoneal macrophages are implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (M-CSFR) in endometriotic tissues.
- To determine if M-CSFR expression correlates with peritoneal macrophage stimulation in endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and in situ reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used.
- Samples of ectopic (n=79) and eutopic (n=18) endometrium were analyzed.
- Specimens were obtained during operative laparoscopy.
Main Results:
- M-CSF receptor (M-CSFR) was detected in both eutopic and ectopic endometrium.
- Nearly 70% of endometriosis patients showed M-CSFR presence via histochemical detection.
- A statistically significant lower percentage of M-CSFR was found in normal endometrium compared to endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- The presence of M-CSFR in endometriotic tissue supports the role of peritoneal macrophages in endometriosis proliferation.
- Identifying M-CSFR in endometriosis opens new avenues for research into the disease's cellular mechanisms.
