Expression of a secretory product by microvillous and ciliated cells of the human endometrial epithelium in vivo and in vitro.
A monoclonal antibody which identifies a component of post-ovulatory endometrial secretions is now shown to be expressed within the cytoplasm and on the cell surface of both microvillous and ciliated epithelial cells. A glandular explantation model was developed in order to study the 'carry over' of this secretion to the regenerative phase endometrium. A loss of cytoplasmic antigen was observed in vitro. However, it was retained on the cell surface in a fashion consistent with its expression at the time of explantation. Mosaicism of expression of this secretory component occurs throughout the secretory-phase and is particularly pronounced at the time of transition from proliferative to secretory phase. It is concluded that both ciliated and microvillous epithelial cells produce a post-ovulatory secretory component which may be retained on the cell surface in the absence of hormonal stimulation.
Campbell
S
S
Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manchester, UK.
Seif
M W
MW
Aplin
J D
JD
Richmond
S J
SJ
Haynes
P
P
Allen
T D
TD
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002923:Cilia; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008871:Microvilli; D010060:Ovulation