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Receptor Autoradiography Protocol for the Localized Visualization of Angiotensin II Receptors
Published on: June 7, 2016
Expression of Angiotensin II Types 1 and 2 Receptors in Endometriotic Lesions
Takehiro Nakao1, Fumihisa Chishima, Masahiko Sugitani
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Background/Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene and protein expression of angiotensin type (AT) 1, AT2 receptors in endometriotic lesions and its relation to prostaglandin (PG) synthases.
Materials And Methods:
Endometriosis samples were obtained from 32 patients with endometriotic cysts. Endometrial tissues were obtained during operations for benign gynecological conditions. The expression of the AT1 and AT2 receptor mRNA and that of PG-endoperoxide synthase 2 and microsomal PGE2 synthase-1 (mPGES-1) was examined by quantitative RT-PCR. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for these receptors.
Results:
AT1 and AT2 receptor proteins were mostly located in endometrial glandular epithelium and some stromal cells. Immunoreactivity of the receptor proteins was observed in both the eutopic endometrium and endometriotic lesions. The AT1/AT2 ratio in endometriotic cysts (median 7.29, range 1.88-187.60) was significantly increased compared with that in the eutopic endometrium in the proliferative-phase in controls (median 1.01, range 0.37-2.09, p < 0.001). There was a relationship between the AT1 mRNA expression and that of mPGES-1 mRNA in the endometriotic cysts (r = 0.394089, p < 0.05). There was a significant relationship between the mRNA expression of the AT2 receptor and that of mPGES-1 in eutopic endometrium of non-endometriotic control (r = 0.610714, p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Renin-angiotensin system may play an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Insights
The renin-angiotensin system, involving angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and AT2 receptors, is implicated in endometriosis. Increased AT1/AT2 ratios and links to prostaglandin synthases were found in endometriotic lesions.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular medicine
Background:
- Endometriosis is a complex gynecological condition.
- The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and prostaglandin synthases are implicated in its pathophysiology.
- Understanding receptor expression in endometriosis is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the gene and protein expression of angiotensin type 1 (AT1) and AT2 receptors in endometriotic lesions.
- To explore the relationship between AT1/AT2 receptor expression and prostaglandin (PG) synthases in endometriosis.
- To elucidate the role of RAS in the pathophysiology of endometriosis.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of endometriotic cysts (n=32) and eutopic endometrium samples.
- Quantitative RT-PCR to assess mRNA expression of AT1, AT2 receptors, and PG synthases (PG-endoperoxide synthase 2, mPGES-1).
- Immunohistochemical staining for AT1 and AT2 receptor proteins.
Main Results:
- AT1 and AT2 receptor proteins were localized in endometrial glandular epithelium and stromal cells.
- Significantly higher AT1/AT2 receptor ratio in endometriotic cysts compared to eutopic endometrium (p < 0.001).
- Correlation observed between AT1 mRNA and mPGES-1 mRNA in endometriotic cysts, and AT2 mRNA and mPGES-1 mRNA in eutopic endometrium.
Conclusions:
- The renin-angiotensin system plays a significant role in endometriosis.
- Altered AT1/AT2 receptor expression and its association with prostaglandin synthases suggest a potential therapeutic target.
- Further research into RAS modulation for endometriosis treatment is warranted.
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