Matrix metalloproteinases and their tissue inhibitors in antegradely shed menstruum and peritoneal fluid.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in antegradely shed menstruum and peritoneal fluid.


METHODS
A cell biological and immunohistochemical study.


METHODS
Tertiary care university medical center.


METHODS
Immunohistochemistry was performed on cryostat sections and cultures of menstrual endometrium. Zymography was used to characterize MMP activity in peritoneal fluid, in menstrual serum, and in conditioned medium. Western blot analysis was used to further identify the MMPs in these fluids.


METHODS
Staining of MMPs and TIMPs in cryostat sections and cultures and MMP expression and activity in peritoneal fluid and menstrual blood serum.


RESULTS
Strong staining for MMP-1 and MMP-3 was observed in stroma and for MMP-7 in epithelium. Matrix metalloproteinase-2 and MMP-9 were weakly expressed in stroma. Both TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were expressed in menstrual endometrium. Menstrual serum showed a pattern of MMP activity on zymography different from peritoneal fluid. Western blot analysis showed the presence of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in menstrual serum.


CONCLUSIONS
Antegradely shed menstrual endometrium expresses several MMPs and TIMPs, even after culturing for 24 hours. MMP activity in menstrual serum is different from and more intense than MMP activity in peritoneal fluid. These enzymes may be involved in the early invasion of menstrual endometrium into the extracellular matrix of the peritoneum.
Koks
C A
CA
Academisch Ziekenhuis Maastricht, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Groothuis
P G
PG
Slaats
P
P
Dunselman
G A
GA
de Goeij
A F
AF
Evers
J L
JL
D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D008598:Menstruation / Q000378:metabolism*; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 / Q000378:metabolism*
D061965:Matrix Metalloproteinase Inhibitors; D019715:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1; D019716:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases