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Related Experiment Videos

Alpha 2-macroglobulin production by the human endometrium

R Sayegh1, J T Awwad, C Maxwell

  • 1Vincent Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|March 1, 1995
PubMed
Summary

Alpha 2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is produced in the endometrium, primarily by stromal cells. Its production varies throughout the menstrual cycle, suggesting a role in implantation.

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Area of Science:

  • Reproductive Biology
  • Proteomics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Alpha 2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is a key plasma protease inhibitor.
  • A2M interacts with cytokines, proteases, and inhibitors crucial for endometrial physiology and implantation.
  • Previous studies noted A2M in uterine effluents, prompting investigation into its endometrial production.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and characterize the pattern of alpha 2-Macroglobulin (A2M) production in human endometrial tissue.
  • To determine if A2M production varies across different phases of the menstrual cycle.
  • To identify the specific endometrial cell types responsible for A2M synthesis.

Main Methods:

  • Endometrial tissues from various menstrual cycle phases were analyzed for A2M production using [35S]methionine labeling and immunoprecipitation.

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  • Protein identification was confirmed via SDS-PAGE under reducing and nonreducing conditions.
  • Immunohistochemistry was performed on cryostat and formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues to localize A2M expression.

    • Main Results:

    • A 320 kDa protein (nonreducing) and 182 kDa protein (reducing) consistent with A2M were identified in endometrial tissue.
    • Alpha 2-Macroglobulin (A2M) constituted approximately 2% of total radiolabeled proteins produced by the endometrium.
    • Immunohistochemistry revealed prominent A2M staining in the stroma, but not glands, throughout the menstrual cycle.
    • Stromal A2M staining intensity was significantly higher in the secretory phase compared to the proliferative phase.
    • Zonal differences in staining were observed, with higher intensity in the spongiosum and basalis layers during the proliferative phase, and sustained intensity in the spongiosum during the secretory phase.

    Conclusions:

    • Alpha 2-Macroglobulin (A2M) is predominantly synthesized by the stromal component of the human endometrium.
    • Endometrial A2M production is dependent on the menstrual cycle phase, with distinct zonal expression patterns.
    • These findings suggest a potential functional role for A2M in endometrial physiology, particularly in the context of embryo implantation.