E-cadherin and its messenger ribonucleic acid in periimplantation phase human endometrium in normal and clomiphene-treated cycles.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether treatment with clomiphene citrate, which is estrogenic and antiestrogenic, affects the expression of the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin in human periimplantation phase endometrium.


METHODS
Five healthy women were studied for two cycles each, a control and a treated (clomiphene 50 mg daily, days 5 through 9) cycle. A biopsy specimen of endometrial tissue was studied (8 to 10 days post luteinizing hormone surge) for immunohistochemical localization, Western analysis of E-cadherin with use of a highly specific monoclonal antibody to human E-cadherin, and determination of messenger ribonucleic acid for E-cadherin by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction by use of oligonucleotide primers specific to E-cadherin and amplifying a 432 bp fragment.


RESULTS
Luteal phase plasma progesterone levels were significantly higher in clomiphene cycles. E-cadherin was immunocytochemically present in endometrium of control and treated cycles with no apparent difference in staining intensity. Western blots revealed the presence of E-cadherin. It was relatively more abundant in clomiphene-treated than control cycles but not significantly different. The message for E-cadherin gene is expressed in endometrium of control (n = 5) and clomiphene cycles (n = 4).


CONCLUSIONS
E-cadherin and its gene transcripts are expressed in periimplantation phase endometrium and are not significantly affected by clomiphene treatment.
Dawood
M Y
MY
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, University of Texas Health Science Center, 77030, USA.
Lau
M
M
Khan-Dawood
F S
FS
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D015153:Blotting, Western; D015820:Cadherins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D002996:Clomiphene / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase
D015820:Cadherins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D002996:Clomiphene; D011374:Progesterone; D012194:RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase