Variable expression of oviductin mRNA at different stages of human reproductive cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the in vivo expression of oviductin mRNA at different stages of the human female reproductive cycle including pregnancy and after menopause.


METHODS
Oviducts were obtained from 25 women in normal menstrual cycle, 5 in early pregnancy, 5 undergoing postpartum sterilization, and 4 menopausal women. The oviductal mucosal tissue was isolated and oviductin mRNA was assessed using reverse-transriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); its correlation with various hormones was assessed.


RESULTS
Oviductin mRNA was detected throughout the menstrual cycle, highest in the periovulatory period. It continued to be expressed in early pregnancy but was absent in the postpartum period and after menopause.


CONCLUSIONS
The production and function of oviductin at different stages of human reproductive cycle including pregnancy is not well known. Its highest expression at the time of ovulation is consistent with a supportive role in fertilization and early embryo development.
Lok
Ingrid H
IH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China. ingridlok@cuhk.edu.hk
Briton-Jones
Christine M
CM
Yuen
Pong M
PM
Haines
Christopher J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000235:genetics; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000235:genetics; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000235:genetics*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D012098:Reproduction / Q000235:genetics*; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases / Q000235:genetics*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D012697:Serine Endopeptidases; C074599:oviductin