Changes in epidermal growth factor receptor and the levels of its ligands during menstrual cycle in human endometrium

We examined menstrual cycle-dependent changes in the expression of human endometrial epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF alpha), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and their mRNA using immunoblot analysis, 125I-EGF binding, and competitive reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also studied their localization in the endometrial tissue by immunohistochemistry. Endometrial samples were obtained at three stages of menstruation: the early follicular stage, which exhibits low serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels; the late follicular stage, which exhibits high E2 and low P levels; and the luteal stage, which exhibits high E2 and P levels. Immunohistochemical examination showed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR were localized to the endometrial epithelium. Immunoblot analysis revealed that endometrial EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR levels were significantly (p < 0.01) increased at the late follicular and luteal stages compared to the early follicular stage. 125I-EGF-specific binding levels at the late follicular and luteal stages were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than at the early follicular stage, consistent with the results of immunoblot analysis. Competitive RT-PCR revealed that EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR mRNA levels were significantly (p < 0.01) higher at the late follicular and luteal stages than at the early follicular stage. Changes in EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR mRNA levels were consistent with changes in protein levels. These findings suggest that synthesis and expression of human endometrial EGF, TGF alpha, and EGFR vary with the stage of the menstrual cycle and that their expression in the human endometrium is associated with the increase in the serum E2 but not with the increase in P levels.