Menstrual-cycle-dependent expression of keratan sulphate in human endometrium

Immunochemical methods have been used to detect and characterize two classes of polypeptide-associated keratan sulphate (KS) in epithelial secretions from human endometrium. Monoclonal antibody D9B1 binds to a hormonally regulated sialylated epitope associated with KS in a high relative molecular mass (250,000-350,000) component that bands as a doublet in SDS/PAGE. These KS chain(s) are sensitive to keratanase, endo-beta-galactosidase and N-glycanase. A second, more highly sulphated, type of KS is also present, that is resistant to all three enzymes. This can be detected using monoclonal antibody 5D4. It is present throughout the menstrual cycle and is associated principally with a component of Mr 140,000. Thus secretory KS contributes to the environment of the implanting embryo, may be used as a molecular index of endometrial function and could be important in the establishment of pregnancy.