Temporal analysis of connexin43 protein and gene expression throughout the menstrual cycle in human endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the pattern of connexin43 gene and protein expression in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
An academic research center.


METHODS
Women with 28-day menstrual cycles who had mechanical infertility and failed to conceive after IVF treatment.


METHODS
Endometrial and blood samples were collected on days 8, 12, 14, 21, and 25 of spontaneous menstrual cycles.


METHODS
Endometrial expression of connexin43 protein and messenger RNA, endometrial thickness, and serum concentrations of gonadotropins and steroids.


RESULTS
The expression of connexin43 gene and protein decreased on day 12 and day 14 of the menstrual cycle and then increased on day 21 and day 25, respectively. A serum LH surge accompanied by a peak in the FSH concentration was observed on days 12-14. The progesterone concentration increased on days 21-25, but there was no significant change in the E2 concentration. The thickness of the endometrium increased between days 8 and 12 and did not change further between days 21 and 25.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of connexin43 gene and protein in human endometrium changes during the menstrual cycle in a pattern that is associated with the secretion of LH, FSH, and progesterone. This pattern may serve as a marker for implantation competence.
Granot
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel. granotie@inter.net.il
Dekel
N
N
Bechor
E
E
Segal
I
I
Fieldust
S
S
Barash
A
A
D000328:Adult; D018031:Connexin 43 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015870:Gene Expression; D006062:Gonadotropins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012016:Reference Values; D013256:Steroids / Q000097:blood
D018031:Connexin 43; D006062:Gonadotropins; D013256:Steroids; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone