title: MUC1 in secretory phase endometrium: expression in precisely dated biopsies and flushings from normal and recurrent miscarriage patients.
abstract: MUC1 is a cell-surface and secretory product of endometrial epithelium. Immunohistochemical studies carried out using two different antibodies to the mucin-type tandem repeat region of MUC1 indicate a cell-surface location in proliferative phase glands, with intracellular deposits accumulating in the early secretory phase. Commencing 3-4 days after the luteinizing hormone (LH) peak and continuing into the late secretory phase, secretory MUC1 appears in gland lumens. Uterine flushings were collected as a function of time after the LH peak and were analysed using a two-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for MUC1. Low but measurable concentrations were observed up to day 7, while on days 7-13 much higher values were obtained. In women suffering from recurrent spontaneous miscarriage, the concentration of MUC1 in flushings was significantly lower than in the controls on day LH + 10. Lower values were observed on days 7 and 13. Reduced epithelial secretory function and a resultant change in uterine fluid composition are features of endometrium from recurrent miscarriage patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Manchester, UK.
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Hey
authors.forename: T C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: P L
authors.initials: PL
authors.lastname: Devine
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Saravelos
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Aplin
mesh_terms: D000026:Abortion, Habitual / Q000378:metabolism*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001706:Biopsy; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D018396:Mucin-1 / Q000032:analysis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D018396:Mucin-1; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone