Endothelin-1 stimulates prostaglandin F2 alpha release from human endometrium.
Despite a key role in the pathogenesis of menorrhagia, the factors controlling the uterine vascular bed are poorly understood. This study has assessed the effects of the potent vasoconstrictor endothelin (ET)-1 on prostaglandin (PG) release from human endometrial explants in short-term culture. There was no significant difference between the production of PGF2 alpha in proliferative and secretory tissue (1709 and 2434 pg/mg/h--median values, range 70,3745 and 219,6700 pg/mg/h). Less PGE was released than PGF2 alpha, and the amount did not vary with the phase of the menstrual cycle (308 and 296 pg/mg/h (range 65,387 and 105,429) for proliferative and secretory tissue). ET-1 (10 and 100 nM) and arachidonic acid (AA, 30 microM), stimulated PGF2 alpha release from proliferative, but not secretory endometrium, by 78%, 86% (P less than 0.01) and 80% respectively, compared with control tissue. No effect was seen on PGE release. ET-1 may play a role in the local control of the endometrial vascular bed either directly, or via the release of PGF2 alpha.
Cameron
I T
IT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge Clinical School, Addenbrooke's Hospital, UK.
Davenport
A P
AP
Brown
M J
MJ
Smith
S K
SK
D000328:Adult; D046508:Culture Techniques; D015237:Dinoprost / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D016232:Endothelins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000175:diagnosis; D008597:Menstrual Cycle
D016232:Endothelins; D015237:Dinoprost