The presence of endometrial cells in the peritoneal cavity enhances monocyte recruitment and induces inflammatory cytokines in mice: implications for endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity by the presence of endometrial cells and the role of the mesothelium.


METHODS
In vivo study using mice.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Female Swiss Webster mice, 8 to 10 weeks old.


METHODS
Homogenous mouse endometrial epithelial and stromal cells were injected intraperitoneally. Peritoneal lavage and mesothelium were collected 4 to 72 hours after the administration.


METHODS
We determined the number of peritoneal macrophages, and the production and gene expression of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/JE), interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha), and interleukin 6 (IL-6).


RESULTS
The intraperitoneal administration of endometrial cells increased the number of peritoneal macrophages, production of MCP-l, IL-1alpha, and IL-6, and expression of mesothelial MCP-1/JE, IL-1alpha, and IL-6 genes in recipient mice.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that retrograde menstruation could account for the increased presence of inflammatory mediators in the peritoneal cavity of women with endometriosis. The mesothelium could play an active role in endometriosis in addition to providing an attachment stratum for the endometrial cells.
School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Xuan
X
Cao
Dongzi
D
Yang
Mingqing
M
Song
Ana
A
Murphy
Sampath
S
Parthasarathy
D000818:Animals; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D009000:Monocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000473:pathology
D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D016207:Cytokines; D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6