Evidence for cycle-dependent expression of full-length human chorionic gonadotropin/luteinizing hormone receptor mRNA in human endometrium and decidua.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of full-length and truncated hCG/LH-receptor mRNA in human endometrium and decidua.


METHODS
In vitro experiment.


METHODS
Tertiary university center.


METHODS
Premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy because of benign diseases or induced abortions.


METHODS
Isolation of RNA from endometrial samples, reverse transcription, selective preamplification of full-length hCG/LH receptor mRNA and several shorter fragments of the receptor gene (exons 1-11, 1-10, and 1-5), nested polymerase chain reaction with internal primers.


METHODS
Appropriately sized cDNA product confirmed by sequencing.


RESULTS
All samples derived from the proliferative as well as from the early and mid-luteal phases were positive for all four amplification products, suggesting the expression of a full-length hCG/LH receptor mRNA. Only 5 of 8 samples derived from the late secretory phase and 2 of 12 samples derived from early decidua amplified the entire receptor sequence. In contrast, the shortest fragment (exons 1-5), coding for part of the extracellular receptor domain, was amplified in all samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The data suggest cycle-dependent regulation of hCG/LH-receptor mRNA by changes in the alternative splicing pattern and down-regulation of full-length hCG/LH receptor mRNA in early decidua. The major splicing site appears to be located between introns 5 and 9. Alternative splicing may be a mechanism regulating hCG/LH-receptor down-regulation.
Licht
Peter
P
Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. peter.licht@med.uni-tuebingen.de
von Wolff
Michael
M
Berkholz
Alexander
A
Wildt
Ludwig
L
D000328:Adult; D017398:Alternative Splicing; D001706:Biopsy; D003656:Decidua / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D017422:Sequence Analysis, DNA
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011974:Receptors, LH; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone