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Production and secretion of complement component 3 by endometriotic tissue
K B Isaacson1, C Coutifaris, C R Garcia
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Endometriotic tissues, particularly glandular epithelial cells, synthesize and secrete complement component C3. This protein production may explain immune system responses observed in endometriosis patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endometriosis is associated with various immune phenomena, including elevated peritoneal macrophages, monokines, and lymphokines.
- Complement component C3 deposition in endometrial gland epithelial cells was previously observed in endometriosis patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synthesis and secretion of proteins by endometriotic tissue.
- To identify specific proteins produced by endometriotic implants and their cellular origins.
Main Methods:
- Radiolabeling of tissue proteins using [35S]methionine followed by SDS-PAGE and fluorography.
- Immunoprecipitation using anti-human C3 immunoglobulin G to identify and quantify C3.
- Incubation of isolated endometriotic epithelial, stromal, and other cells to determine C3 synthesis sites.
Main Results:
- Endometriotic tissue produced significantly greater quantities of a 180 kDa protein compared to control tissues.
- This 180 kDa protein dissociated into 113- and 69-kDa subunits under reducing conditions.
- Immunoprecipitation confirmed this protein as complement component C3, with glandular epithelial cells being the primary source.
Conclusions:
- Glandular epithelial cells in endometriotic implants synthesize and secrete complement component C3.
- The production of C3 by endometriotic tissue may contribute to the immunological abnormalities observed in endometriosis.