Expression and function of interleukin‐11 and its receptor α in the human endometrium

• Published in: Molecular human reproduction 2003-02, Vol.9 (2), p.75-80
• Main Authors: Karpovich, Natalia, Chobotova, Katya, Carver, Janet, Heath, John K., Barlow, David H., Mardon, Helen J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Cells, Cultured; DNA - biosynthesis; DNA - drug effects; DNA Primers; DNA, Complementary - genetics; Endometrium - cytology; Endometrium - physiology; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Interleukin-11 - genetics; Interleukin-11 - physiology; Interleukin-11 Receptor alpha Subunit; Key words: endometrium/heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor/interleukin‐11/interleukin‐11 receptor α/proliferation; Mammalian female genital system; Menstrual Cycle - genetics; Morphology. Physiology; Receptors, Interleukin - genetics; Receptors, Interleukin - physiology; Receptors, Interleukin-11; RNA, Messenger - genetics; Stromal Cells - cytology; Stromal Cells - physiology; Thymidine - metabolism; Transcription, Genetic; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 1360-9947; 1460-2407; 1460-2407
• DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gag012

The interleukin‐11 (IL‐11) receptor α has an important function in decidualization of mouse endometrial stroma but the function of IL‐11 and its receptor in the human endometrium remains unknown. The mRNA for IL‐11 and its receptor α in human endometrial tissue samples were analysed by semi‐quantitative RT–PCR and RNase protection assays respectively. The proteins were detected in frozen endometrial tissue samples by immunofluorescence. The effect of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor (HB‐EGF) on secretion of IL‐11 by cultured endometrial stromal cells was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The proliferative potential of IL‐11 in endometrial stromal cells was assessed by [3H]thymidine uptake. IL‐11 and its receptor α mRNAs and proteins were detected in the endometrium throughout the cycle. Distinct patterns of localization of the ligand and receptor were observed. HB‐EGF induced IL‐11 secretion by cultured stromal cells, and IL‐11 induced [3H]thymidine uptake by these cells. Our data suggest that IL‐11–receptor interactions may perform different functions in the human endometrium at different stages of the cycle, and that secretion of IL‐11 is modulated by local growth factors.