The actions of estradiol and epidermal growth factor in endometrial and endometriotic stroma in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effects of E2 and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on DNA and protein synthesis in endometrial and endometriotic stromal cell culture.


METHODS
Measurement of DNA and protein synthesis in cell cultures by trichloroacetic acid precipitation of radioactively labeled macromolecules.


METHODS
Tissue samples collected in operating theaters were processed in the cell culture laboratory.


METHODS
Samples of endometrium and endometriosis were collected synchronously at laparotomy.


METHODS
Stromal cells were isolated from tissue samples. Cultures of endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells were treated with 0.272 ng/mL (1 nmol/L) E2 or 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF.


METHODS
3H-Thymidine and 3H-leucine incorporation were used to assess DNA and protein synthesis respectively in cell cultures.


RESULTS
There was no response to 0.272 ng/mL (1 nmol/L) E2 with respect to DNA or protein synthesis in either endometrial or endometriotic stromal cells, whereas 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF significantly stimulated DNA and protein synthesis in both cell types. The effect of EGF was significantly greater in endometrial stroma than in endometriotic stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
There are differences in the stimulation of 3H-thymidine incorporation by 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF in endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells in vitro.
Mellor
S J
SJ
University of Southampton, Princess Anne Hospital, United Kingdom.
Thomas
E J
EJ
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007930:Leucine / Q000378:metabolism; D014176:Protein Biosynthesis; D012016:Reference Values; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013936:Thymidine / Q000378:metabolism; D014316:Tritium
D014316:Tritium; D004958:Estradiol; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D004247:DNA; D007930:Leucine; D013936:Thymidine