EP3-2 receptor mRNA expression is reduced and EP3-6 receptor mRNA expression is increased in gravid human myometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To assess relative expression levels of mRNA for EP3 isoforms EP3-2, EP3-3, and EP3-6 in human myometrium in various physiologic states.


METHODS
Using semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed myometrial samples from 46 women (ten menopausal, ten nongravid premenopausal, 19 gravidas, seven premenopausal misoprostol-treated nongravid women) for the specific expression of mRNA messages for the EP3 receptor isoforms EP3-2, EP3-3, and EP3-6.


RESULTS
We found that the expression of EP3-2 was significantly lower in gravid than nongravid myometrium (P < .0001). Levels of the EP3-6 message were higher in gravid samples than in nongravid specimens (P < .02). EP3-3 mRNA was present in higher levels in menopausal samples compared with the other groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The selective fluctuation of mRNA expression of the different EP3 isoforms suggests the possibility of an important regulatory role for these receptors in myometrial contractility. Additional studies are necessary to evaluate the exact mechanism of action of EP3 receptor isoforms in human myometrium.
Wing
Deborah A
DA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA. dwing@hsc.usc.edu
Goharkhay
Nima
N
Hanna
Mary
M
Naidu
Yathi M
YM
Kovacs
Bruce W
BW
Felix
Juan C
JC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D009215:Myometrium / Q000737:chemistry*; D011247:Pregnancy; D017697:Premenopause; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E / Q000235:genetics*; D058308:Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
C545647:PTGER3 protein, human; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E; D058308:Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype