Effects of exogenous estrogen on uterine leukocyte recruitment.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the role of estrogen in leukocyte recruitment to the human endometrium.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled in vivo study.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Ten patients presenting for donor oocytes.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsies for the evaluation of leukocyte populations were collected from perimenopausal women in two consecutive regulated cycles who were given two different regimens of estrogen with identical progesterone treatment.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical identification of endometrial leukocyte populations and relative levels of expression of three chemokine genes.


RESULTS
The total uterine leukocyte population increased significantly when the women received oral estrogen, which resulted in higher serum estrogen levels. This rise in leukocytes was due to a significant increase in both the uterine natural killer cells and the macrophage populations. T-cell numbers did not change relative to circulating estrogen levels. The relative abundance of mRNA from three chemokines was also determined. No changes were found in the expression of M-CSF or MCP-1. Interleukin 8 decreased in glands relative to estrogen levels.


CONCLUSIONS
These data demonstrate that changes in circulating levels of estrogen can regulate the recruitment of bone marrow-derived cells to the uterine endometrium; however, the mechanism whereby that occurs remains elusive.
DeLoia
Julie A
JA
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Magee Women's Research Institute and Hospital, The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA. rsijad@mail.magee.edu
Stewart-Akers
Ann M
AM
Brekosky
Jill
J
Kubik
Carolyn J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D018925:Chemokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D002634:Chemotaxis, Leukocyte / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D018925:Chemokines; D004967:Estrogens; D012333:RNA, Messenger