Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Estrogen and selective estrogen receptor modulators regulate vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble vascular
Hidetaka Okada1, Akihiro Tsutsumi, Miyuki Imai
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan. hokada@hirakata.kmu.ac.jp
Objective:
To determine whether 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and selective estrogen receptor modulators can regulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble VEGF receptor 1 (sVEGFR-1) as a VEGF antagonist in human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs).
Design:
In vitro experiment.
Setting:
Research laboratory at Kansai Medical University.
Patient(S):
Sixteen patients undergoing hysterectomy for benign reasons.
Intervention(S):
The ESCs were cultured with E(2), 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT), and raloxifene.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
The VEGF and sVEGFR-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels in ESCs were determined using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Free (unbound) VEGF and sVEGFR-1 protein levels from ESCs were measured using ELISA kits.
Result(S):
The E(2) significantly induced VEGF mRNA levels, whereas E2 caused a significant decrease in sVEGFR-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) levels. The E(2) or OHT significantly increased the VEGF production levels and attenuated the sVEGFR-1 production compared with control, but raloxifene had no significant effect. The decrease in levels of free VEGF was proportional to the increase in sVEGFR-1 levels in the culture media of ESCs.
Conclusion(S):
The E(2) or OHT stimulates VEGF production and concurrently attenuates sVEGFR-1 production in ESCs. This consequential increase in VEGF:sVEGFR-1 ratio might enhance the biological effects of VEGF on the angiogenic environment in human endometrium.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
02:38Mitogens and the Cell Cycle
01:22Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
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.
01:15Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR activation may...