Expression and localization of oxytocin receptor gene in human uterine endometrium in relation to the menstrual cycle.
The expression of oxytocin receptor mRNA in the human uterus was investigated by polymerase chain reaction after mRNA reverse transcription; in addition, the mRNA was localized by means of in situ hybridization histochemistry. Strong positive signals were observed in myometrial cells at parturition. In nonpregnant human uterine endometrium, oxytocin receptor mRNA was expressed in glandular epithelial cells, but was not observed in stromal cells. The signal in the epithelial cells was stronger at the time of ovulation than during any other phase. The sequential changes in oxytocin receptor mRNA expression in nonpregnant endometrium suggest some alternative biological function of oxytocin in endometrium during the menstrual cycle.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka University Medical School, Suita, Japan.
M
M
Takemura
S
S
Nomura
T
T
Kimura
T
T
Inoue
H
H
Onoue
C
C
Azuma
F
F
Saji
Y
Y
Kitamura
O
O
Tanizawa
D001483:Base Sequence; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D015335:Molecular Probes / Q000235:genetics; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000378:metabolism; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin / Q000235:genetics*
D015335:Molecular Probes; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018045:Receptors, Oxytocin; D017483:Receptors, Vasopressin; D010121:Oxytocin