Human chorionic gonadotropin and growth factors at the embryonic-endometrial interface control leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) secretion by human endometrial epithelium.
BACKGROUND
The elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which the embryo contributes to its implantation is an area of extensive research. The main objective of this study was to investigate the pattern of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secretion by human endometrial epithelium, and their regulation by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and other growth factors present at the embryonic-endometrial interface.


METHODS
Endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) were isolated from biopsies collected at both proliferative and secretory phases of fertile women.


RESULTS
HCG (1-50 IU/ml) increased LIF secretion by EEC cultures derived from follicular phase (up to 285+/-75%) or from secretory phase (up to 212+/-16%). In contrast, hCG reduced IL-6 secretion by EEC in both phases. The hCG/LH receptor gene was transcribed by EEC as evidenced by RT-PCR. Insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2 increased LIF secretion by EEC. Transforming growth factor beta1 stimulated LIF and reduced IL-6 secretion.


CONCLUSIONS
Through hCG, the blastocyst may be involved in the control of its implantation (via an increase of proimplantatory LIF) and tolerance (via an inhibition of proinflammatory IL-6). Other growth factors present at the embryonic-endometrial interface are also involved in the control of LIF and IL-6 endometrial secretion.
Perrier d'Hauterive
S
S
Center of Immunology and Laboratory of Tumour and Developmental Biology, Institute of Pathology CHU-B23, University of Liege, B-4000 Liege-Sart Tilman, Belgium. sperrier@ulg.ac.be
Charlet-Renard
C
C
Berndt
S
S
Dubois
M
M
Munaut
C
C
Goffin
F
F
Hagelstein
M-T
MT
Noël
A
A
Hazout
A
A
Foidart
J-M
JM
Geenen
V
V
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000378:metabolism*; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011974:Receptors, LH / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D016207:Cytokines; D006133:Growth Substances; D015850:Interleukin-6; C507837:LIF protein, human; D053605:Leukemia Inhibitory Factor; D011506:Proteins; D011974:Receptors, LH