Effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha on adhesion of human endometrial stromal cells to peritoneal mesothelial cells: an in vitro system.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on adhesion of endometrial stromal cells to peritoneal mesothelial cells, a possible step leading to endometriosis.


METHODS
Analysis of cell adhesion in vitro.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Peritoneal fluid and biopsies were obtained from volunteers with regular cycles without endometriosis or endometrial pathology.


METHODS
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (0.1 to 1,000 U/mL) was added to nutrient media with the following supplements: 10% fetal calf serum, epidermal growth factor 20 ng/mL, and gentamicin 10 ng/mL.


METHODS
Radioactivity of chromium-51 was used as a reflection of adherent stromal cells.


RESULTS
The adherence of endometrial stromal cells to mesothelial cells was significantly increased by pretreatment of mesothelial cells with TNF-alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha may play a facilitory role in the development of endometriosis.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190.
R J
RJ
Zhang
R A
RA
Wild
J M
JM
Ojago
D002448:Cell Adhesion / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha