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Metalloproteinase secretion by endometrial leukocyte subsets
1Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
American Journal of Reproductive Immunology (New York, N.Y. : 1989)
|November 1, 1995
Summary
Human endometrial leukocytes, especially large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), secrete gelatinases. This study investigated their proteolytic potential, revealing significant gelatinase activity in these immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Cellular and molecular biology
Background:
- The human endometrium comprises up to 40% leukocytes.
- The precise function of these endometrial leukocytes remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the proteolytic potential of human endometrial leukocytes in vitro.
- To analyze the secretion of gelatinases by different endometrial leukocyte subsets.
Main Methods:
- Endometrial tissue was obtained from hysterectomies and first-trimester abortions.
- Leukocyte subsets (CD56+, CD3+, CD19+, CD16+, CD45+) were isolated via immuno-separation after collagenase digestion.
- Gelatine zymography and quantitative type IV gelatinase assays were performed on cultured cell supernatants.
Main Results:
- All endometrial leukocyte subtypes secreted gelatinases.
- A 72-kDa gelatinase, absent in peripheral leukocytes, was secreted by all endometrial leukocytes.
- Large granular lymphocytes (LGLs) exhibited the highest type IV gelatinase activity, which increased during the menstrual cycle.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial leukocytes, particularly LGLs, are a significant source of gelatinases.
- These findings suggest a role for endometrial leukocytes in tissue remodeling and immune surveillance.