Expression of nuclear factor kappa B components in human endometrium

• Published in: Journal of reproductive immunology 2002-03, Vol.54 (1), p.1-13
• Main Authors: Page, M, Tuckerman, E.M, Li, T.C, Laird, S.M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Cytokines; DNA-Binding Proteins - analysis; DNA-Binding Proteins - genetics; Endometrium; Endometrium - chemistry; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Human; Humans; I-kappa B Proteins; Immunohistochemistry; Implantation; Mammalian female genital system; Morphology. Physiology; NF-^KB protein; NF-kappa B - analysis; NF-kappa B p50 Subunit; NF-KappaB Inhibitor alpha; NFκB; RNA, Messenger - analysis; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 0165-0378; 1872-7603
• DOI: 10.1016/S0165-0378(01)00122-X

Nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) is a family of transcription factors involved in signalling between IL1 and TNFα receptors and cytokines and adhesion molecules in a number of cell types, including those of the human endometrium. In this study, we used immunocytochemistry to investigate the in vivo expression of the p50, IκBα and IκBβ NFκB components in endometrium obtained from normal fertile women throughout the menstrual cycle. All three components were expressed by both the stromal and epithelial cells of the endometrium and staining was predominately seen in the cytoplasm of the cells. Staining for p50 was more intense in the epithelial compartment than the stromal compartment. Staining in the stromal compartment was low to moderate throughout the cycle but, in the epithelial compartment, staining was cycle dependent and increased slightly during the mid-secretory phase. The staining patterns for IκBα and IκBβ were similar. As for p50, staining for both proteins was greater in the epithelial compartment compared to the stromal compartment and stromal cell staining was low to moderate throughout the cycle. However, in contrast to p50, staining for the IκB proteins in epithelial cells decreased during the mid-secretory phase of the cycle. Although the immunocytochemistry technique used is only semi-quantitative, the results suggest an increased expression of the active and a decreased expression of the inhibitory NFκB components by the endometrium at the time of implantation. If confirmed, it would suggest that NFκB is involved in the control of factors important in the implantation process.