Expression of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor messenger RNA in the human endometrium

Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the epidermal growth factor family. In rodents HB-EGF has been found to mediate the mitogenic effects of oestrogen on the endometrial glandular cells and those of progesterone on the stromal cells. HB-EGF has also bee...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Molecular human reproduction 1996-01, Vol.2 (1), p.31-34
Main Authors: Birdsall, M A, Hopkisson, J F, Grant, K E, Barlow, D H, Mardon, H J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
DNA, Complementary
Endometrium - cytology
Endometrium - metabolism
Epidermal Growth Factor - biosynthesis
Epidermal Growth Factor - genetics
Epithelium - metabolism
Female
Gene Expression
Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor
Humans
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Menstrual Cycle - physiology
Placenta - metabolism
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Pregnancy - physiology
RNA, Messenger - analysis
RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
Stromal Cells - metabolism
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Summary:Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) is a member of the epidermal growth factor family. In rodents HB-EGF has been found to mediate the mitogenic effects of oestrogen on the endometrial glandular cells and those of progesterone on the stromal cells. HB-EGF has also been found to be expressed at the site of implantation before any other discernible sign of blastocyst attachment in rodents. Our aim was to determine whether HB-EGF mRNA was expressed in the human pregnant and non-pregnant endometrial tissues. Normal endometrial tissues at different stages of the menstrual cycle, first trimester chorionic villi and decidua, second trimester chorionic villi and term placental tissues were snap frozen and stored at -80 degrees C. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to analyse the expression of HB-EGF mRNA in these tissues. HB-EGF mRNA was found to be expressed in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. It was also present in first trimester chorionic villi and decidua, second trimester villi and term placenta. These findings suggest that HB-EGF may have a role in the growth or function of the human uterus, and that it may be important at the feto-maternal interface throughout pregnancy.
ISSN:1360-9947
DOI:10.1093/molehr/2.1.31