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Endothelin in the human uterus during pregnancy
M Maggi1, G B Vannelli, G Fantoni
1Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Italy.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Endothelin (ET) receptors (ETA and ETB) are present in the human uterus. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is found in pregnant uterine tissues, suggesting a paracrine role in uterine function.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) plays a role in reproductive physiology.
- Sex steroids influence uterine ET-1 levels in rabbits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the immunolocalization, binding, and biological activity of endothelins in the human uterus.
- To compare ET receptor expression in postmenopausal women versus late pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Identified and characterized ET receptors (ETA and ETB) in human myometrium using binding assays.
- Utilized immunolocalization to detect ET-1 in uterine tissues.
- Assessed ETA receptor-mediated intracellular calcium increase in myometrial cells.
Main Results:
- Two ET receptor classes (ETA and ETB) were identified in pregnant and non-pregnant myometrium.
- ETA receptors were more concentrated and selective for ET-1 and ET-2.
- ET-1 was localized in decidua and pregnant myometrium, but not in non-pregnant myometrium.
- ET receptor density remained constant across labor stages and in postmenopausal women.
Conclusions:
- ETA and ETB receptors are present in the human myometrium.
- ET-1 is localized in the pregnant uterus, suggesting a paracrine role.
- Further research is needed to clarify the function of ETB receptors.