Related Experiment Videos
Progesterone-regulated cyclic modulation of membrane metalloendopeptidase (enkephalinase) in human endometrium
M L Casey1, J W Smith, K Nagai
1Cecil H. and Ida Green Center for Reproductive Biology Sciences, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235.
Abstract:
Membrane metalloendopeptidase (MMEP; EC 3.4.24.11; enkephalinase) catalyzes the degradation of endothelins, enkephalins, atrial natriuretic factor, substance P, and other small bioactive peptides. We found that MMEP is present in human endometrium, localized primarily in stromal cells of this tissue, and that the specific activity of MMEP (and immunoreactive MMEP protein) in endometrial tissue is correlated in a highly significant positive manner with the concentration of progesterone in plasma. In estrogen-treated, human endometrial stromal cells in monolayer culture, the specific activity of MMEP increases in response to treatment with progestin; and, this increase is accompanied by increases in immunoreactive MMEP protein, newly synthesized MMEP, and MMEP mRNA.
Insights
Membrane metalloendopeptidase (MMEP) activity in human endometrium increases with progesterone levels. Progestin treatment in cell cultures also boosts MMEP protein and mRNA, indicating hormonal regulation.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Biology
- Enzymology
Background:
- Membrane metalloendopeptidase (MMEP), also known as enkephalinase, degrades various bioactive peptides.
- MMEP plays a role in the human endometrium, a key tissue in reproductive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and localization of MMEP in human endometrial tissue.
- To determine the relationship between MMEP activity and progesterone concentration in the endometrium.
- To examine the effect of progestin on MMEP expression in human endometrial stromal cells.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of MMEP specific activity and immunoreactive protein in human endometrial tissue.
- Correlation analysis between MMEP levels and plasma progesterone concentrations.
- In vitro studies using estrogen-treated human endometrial stromal cells cultured in monolayers.
- Measurement of MMEP specific activity, protein, newly synthesized protein, and mRNA following progestin treatment.
Main Results:
- MMEP was found in human endometrium, primarily localized in stromal cells.
- A significant positive correlation exists between endometrial MMEP specific activity/protein and plasma progesterone levels.
- Progestin treatment of endometrial stromal cells in culture increased MMEP specific activity, immunoreactive MMEP protein, newly synthesized MMEP, and MMEP mRNA.
Conclusions:
- MMEP is present and hormonally regulated in the human endometrium.
- Progesterone significantly influences MMEP expression and activity in endometrial stromal cells.
- These findings suggest a role for MMEP in endometrial function modulated by progesterone.