Uptake of indomethacin by the endometrium of rat uterus

The uptake of indomethacin into rat endometrium was studied using biochemical subcellular fractionation techniques. Endometrial cell homogenates were separated by centrifugation in Percoll gradients, and the distribution of subcellular membranes and organelles in the fractions ascertained using biochemical and morphological markers. Two hours after intraluminal perfusion of uteri with [14C]-indomethacin, the drug showed a bimodal distribution. It was present in fractions containing soluble components and plasma membranes and/or their endocytic derivatives. The results show that indomethacin is taken up by rat endometrium, but it does not appear to associate with the Golgi-endoplasmic reticulum-lysosomal system.