Metalloproteinase secretion by endometrial leukocyte subsets.
OBJECTIVE
Human endometrium contains up to 40% leukocytes. Since their function is unclear, we cultured these cells separately to analyze their proteolytic potential in vitro.


METHODS
Endometrium was obtained from hysterectomies or from first trimester abortion. After collagenase digestion, the different leukocyte subsets (CD56, CD3, CD19, CD16, CD45) were immuno-separated and cultured. Gelatine zymography and a quantitative type IV gelatinase assay were run on all culture supernatants.


RESULTS
On zymography, all subtypes of endometrial leukocytes released gelatinases. The 72-kDa gelatinase was absent from peripheral leukocyte supernatants, whereas it was secreted by all endometrial leukocytes. The 92-kDa gelatinase was present in all culture supernatants. Large granular lymphocytes (CD56+, LGL) expressed the highest type VI gelatinase activity as compared to all other leukocytes. This activity increased during the cycle in LGL and T cells but remained unchanged in glandular and stromal cells.


CONCLUSIONS
Endometrial leukocytes, particularly LGL, secrete significant amounts of gelatinases.
Shi
W
W
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Mognetti
B
B
Campana
A
A
Bischof
P
P
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005780:Gelatin; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D005780:Gelatin; D003094:Collagen; D008666:Metalloendopeptidases