title: Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in endometrium during the menstrual cycle and following administration of intrauterine levonorgestrel.
abstract: Remodelling of endometrial tissues is fundamental to the cyclical changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, implantation and, in the absence of pregnancy, at menstruation. The enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is recognized as important in these processes but its regulation is not well defined. These studies have demonstrated that MMP-9 activity is present in the endometrium and exhibits cyclical changes in its distribution in the glandular and stromal cells. MMP-9 protein is present throughout the cycle with highest expression, as determined by semiquantitative analysis of specific MMP-9 immunoreactivity, in glandular cells during the mid secretory phase. A similar distribution was observed in first trimester decidua. In women with a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), which delivers high local concentrations of progestagen to the uterine cavity, MMP-9 is highly expressed in both endometrial glandular and stromal cells, and in the vasculature (in endothelial and perivascular cells). It can be concluded that MMP-9 is stimulated directly or indirectly by progesterone. Furthermore, MMP-9 may play a role in the remodelling of the endometrium that occurs during the menstrual cycle and in the aetiology of the morphological changes and breakthrough bleeding associated with long-term progestagen administration via a LNG-IUS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Centre for Reproductive Biology, The University of Edinburgh, UK.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Skinner
authors.forename: S C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Riley
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Gebbie
authors.forename: A F
authors.initials: AF
authors.lastname: Glasier
authors.forename: H O
authors.initials: HO
authors.lastname: Critchley
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D017364:Collagenases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D003656:Decidua / Q000201:enzymology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D008875:Middle Aged; D010920:Placenta / Q000201:enzymology; D011247:Pregnancy; D045167:Progesterone Congeners / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D045167:Progesterone Congeners; D016912:Levonorgestrel; D017364:Collagenases; D020780:Matrix Metalloproteinase 9