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Published on: April 30, 2018
Endometrial dendritic cell populations during the normal menstrual cycle
L Schulke1, F Manconi, R Markham
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Queen Elizabeth II Research Institute for Mothers and Infants, University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia. lschulke@med.usyd.edu.au
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|February 21, 2008
Summary
Dendritic cells (DCs) show cyclical changes in the non-pregnant uterus. Immature DCs (CD1a+) are more numerous than mature DCs (CD83+), with distinct layer-specific variations throughout the menstrual cycle.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are key immune cells in mucosal immunity, particularly in the female reproductive tract.
- DCs in the non-pregnant endometrium remain poorly understood.
- This study investigates DC populations in the normal human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize dendritic cell populations in the non-pregnant human endometrium.
- To investigate cyclical changes in immature (CD1a+) and mature (CD83+) DCs throughout the menstrual cycle.
- To determine the spatial distribution of DCs within different endometrial layers.
Main Methods:
- Hysterectomy specimens from 49 premenopausal women with normal endometria were analyzed.
- Immunohistochemistry was used to identify immature (CD1a+) and mature (CD83+) DCs.
- DC density was quantified and compared across menstrual cycle phases and endometrial layers.
Main Results:
- Endometrial CD1a+ DCs were significantly more abundant than CD83+ DCs.
- DC density did not differ between uterine regions (fundus vs. isthmus).
- CD1a+ DCs increased in the basal layer through the cycle, while CD83+ DCs showed greater density in the basal layer during proliferative and secretory phases.
Conclusions:
- Coordinated cyclical changes in endometrial DCs suggest a role in regulating menstruation and implantation.
- Alterations in these DC profiles may be linked to gynecological disorders and fertility issues.
- Understanding normal DC dynamics is crucial for reproductive health.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
The ovarian cycle regulates endometrial changes throughout a single menstrual cycle via the coordinated action of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and gonadotrophins.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
01:19Secretory Phase
The secretory phase of the menstrual cycle, spanning from day 14 to 28 in a typical 28-day cycle, is a period of significant physiological changes in the female reproductive system. This phase commences immediately after ovulation and is characterized by the preparation of the endometrium for potential embryo implantation.
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
01:20Proliferative Phase
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
01:18Menses Phase
The uterine cycle begins with the menstrual phase, which is considered day one of the cycle and typically lasts about five days. This phase is characterized by the degeneration and shedding of the stratum functionalis, the functional layer of the endometrium.
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
01:30Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle
The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle. At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...