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Androgen receptor content in human endometrium
H J Mertens1, M J Heineman, J Koudstaal
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, De Wever and Gregorius Hospital, Heerlen, Netherlands.
European Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Androgen receptors (AR) are present in the human endometrium and myometrium, with expression levels changing throughout the menstrual cycle. AR expression is highest in proliferative phases and absent in the late secretory phase.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
Background:
- The human endometrium undergoes cyclical changes influenced by estrogen, progesterone, and androgens.
- Androgens' role in endometrial function is not fully understood, necessitating investigation into androgen receptor (AR) presence and significance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and cyclic variation of androgen receptors (AR) in human endometrium and myometrium.
- To explore the potential significance of AR content in uterine tissues during the menstrual cycle.
Main Methods:
- AR immunocytochemistry was performed on 30 paraffin-embedded uterine sections from pre-menopausal women.
- Analysis focused on AR expression in endometrial and myometrial cell types across different phases of the menstrual cycle.
Main Results:
- AR was detected in all cell types of the endometrium and myometrium, exhibiting cyclic dependence.
- AR immunostaining was more pronounced in stromal and smooth muscle cells than in glandular cells.
- AR expression was higher in proliferative phases, decreasing through the secretory phase, with absence in the late secretory phase.
Conclusions:
- Androgen receptor expression in the endometrium and myometrium is cyclic and primarily under androgenic control.
- The decrease in AR expression during the secretory phase may be linked to reduced dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels due to progesterone competition for 5 alpha-reductase.
- Further research is needed to determine if androgens play a causal role in endometrial cyclic modulation or if AR patterns are a consequence of progesterone production.