Effects of mifepristone on expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase in human endometrium during the implantation phase.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effects of the antiprogestin mifepristone on expression of endothelial (eNOS) nitric oxide synthase in human endometrium during the implantation phase.


METHODS
Prospective clinical study.


METHODS
Teaching university hospital.


METHODS
Endometrial samples were obtained from nine healthy women with proven fertility.


METHODS
One control and one treatment cycle were performed. Treatment with 200 mg of mifepristone was administered on LH day 2. Endometrial biopsy specimens were obtained on LH day 6 to 8.


METHODS
Expression of eNOS was identified by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot assay, and messenger RNA levels were determined with semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.


RESULTS
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase was detected in vascular endothelium and glandular epithelium in the endometrium. Treatment with mifepristone significantly decreased eNOS expression in the endometrial glandular epithelium but did not affect endothelial eNOS.


CONCLUSIONS
Mifepristone has differential effects on eNOS expression in the epithelium and endothelium in the human endometrium at the time of implantation. The results support a role of epithelial eNOS in human endometrial receptivity.
Sun
Xiaoxi
X
Department of Woman and Child Health, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
Qiu
Xiaoyan
X
Gemzell-Danielsson
Kristina
K
D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology; D005260:Female; D015971:Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D015735:Mifepristone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III; D012016:Reference Values
D000021:Abortifacient Agents, Steroidal; D015735:Mifepristone; C496314:NOS3 protein, human; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D052250:Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III