17 Beta-estradiol increases nitric oxide and prostaglandin I2 production by cultured human uterine arteries only in histologically normal specimens.
These experiments were designed to investigate whether 17beta-estradiol (E2) modulates the endothelial function of perimenopausal human uterine arteries. After the artery specimen was cultured in the presence or absence of E2 at a physiologic concentration of 200 pg/ml, changes in isometric tension and cyclic nucleotide production were determined. Degree of intimal hyperplasia was assessed histologically and expressed as intima-to-media ratio. Acetylcholine produced an endothelium-dependent relaxation in six specimens (group I) of 12, which was inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine or indomethacin. However, the agonist failed to produce a definite relaxation in the remaining 6 (group II). The endothelium-dependent relaxation was significantly augmented after incubating with E2 only in group I specimens. Cyclic nucleotide production was significantly increased after E2 incubation only in group I specimens, whereas it was inhibited by NG-nitro-L-arginine or indomethacin. Histologic study revealed that the six specimens of group I had normal intima (intima-to-media ratio = 19.1+/-1.8%) and the remaining six of group II had intimal hyperplasia (intima-to-media ratio = 53.6+/-5.3%). Increased production of cyclic nucleotides occurred in uterine arteries with normal intima but not in arteries with intimal hyperplasia derived from perimenopausal women.
Obayashi
S
S
Department of Comprehensive Reproductive Medicine, Regulation of Internal Environment and Reproduction, Systemic Organ Regulation, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan.
Beppu
M
M
Aso
T
T
Goto
M
M
Azuma
H
H
D000328:Adult; D001158:Arteries / Q000166:cytology* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D046508:Culture Techniques; D006152:Cyclic GMP / Q000378:metabolism; D011464:Epoprostenol / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000378:metabolism; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D009569:Nitric Oxide; D004958:Estradiol; D011464:Epoprostenol; D006152:Cyclic GMP