Production and localization of activins and activin type IIA and IIB receptors by the human endosalpinx.
Fallopian tubes from ten premenopausal women were collected and examined for the presence of inhibin, activin and its type IIA and IIB receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) in the endosalpinx. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated clear staining for the betaA, betaB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB that increased in intensity from the isthmus to the ampulla. No staining for the alpha subunit was observed. Whilst the staining of the betaA subunit and ActRIIA was seen in almost every epithelial cell, staining for the betaB subunit and ActRIIB was more variable. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for the betaA, betaB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB. These results indicated that the epithelium of the uterine tube is able to synthesize activin but not inhibin and has receptors for activin. Activins may thus act as paracrine regulators of tubal epithelial cell function, and embryonic activity may also bind to epithelial receptor and initiate intracellular processes that alter epithelial cell secretions.
Section of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
B A
BA
Refaat
A O
AO
Bahathiq
S
S
Sockanathan
R L
RL
Stewart
M
M
Wells
W L
WL
Ledger
D030301:Activin Receptors, Type II / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D028341:Activins / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000737:chemistry; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry / Q000379:methods; D017403:In Situ Hybridization / Q000379:methods; D007265:Inhibins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D028341:Activins; D007265:Inhibins; D030301:Activin Receptors, Type II; C425585:activin receptor type II-A; C425584:activin receptor type II-B