Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Two Methods for Establishing Primary Human Endometrial Stromal Cells from Hysterectomy Specimens
Published on: May 23, 2014
Interaction Between Progesterone and Interleukin-1β in Modulating Progesterone Receptor Expression and the
Stephanie Pierce1, Amy E Roberson2, Kimberly Hyatt1
11 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
Progesterone receptor (PR) expression in the cervix is affected by inflammation. While progesterone may help maintain PR levels during pregnancy, it does not reduce inflammatory prostaglandin production.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Progesterone is crucial for maintaining cervical structure during pregnancy through the progesterone receptor (PR).
- Two PR isoforms, PR-A and PR-B, regulate distinct and overlapping target genes.
- Late gestation involves cervical inflammation, characterized by leukocyte infiltration and increased cytokine levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how interleukin-1β (IL-1β) influences PR-A, PR-B, and prostaglandin synthesis genes in human cervical fibroblasts (HCFs).
- To determine if progesterone (R5020) can mitigate the effects of IL-1β on PR expression and prostaglandin synthesis in HCFs.
Main Methods:
- Human cervical fibroblasts (HCFs) were treated with IL-1β and/or R5020.
- Expression of PR-A, PR-B, prostaglandin G/H synthase-2 (PGHS-2), and prostaglandin E synthase-1 (PGES-1) was assessed at mRNA and protein levels.
- The role of prostaglandins in PR regulation was examined using indomethacin (prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor).
Main Results:
- IL-1β upregulated PR-A and PR-B mRNA but caused a rapid decrease in their protein levels, followed by a delayed increase.
- R5020 counteracted the IL-1β-induced increase in PR mRNA and protein and the downregulation of nuclear PR.
- IL-1β induced PGHS-2 and PGES-1, but R5020 did not inhibit this induction.
- Prostaglandin synthesis blockade prevented IL-1β-induced PR mRNA increase and acute protein decrease.
Conclusions:
- Prostaglandins mediate IL-1β's effects on PR expression in HCFs.
- Progesterone may help maintain PR expression amidst inflammatory cytokines during late pregnancy.
- Progesterone does not exhibit an anti-inflammatory role in reducing prostaglandin E2 production in this context.
More Related Videos
07:37Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
11:44A Primary Human Trophoblast Model to Study the Effect of Inflammation Associated with Maternal Obesity on Regulation of Autophagy in the Placenta
Published on: September 27, 2017
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...