Increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression in the human hydrosalpinx.
BACKGROUND
Hydrosalpinx (HSP), characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in the Fallopian tube, is one of the main causes of infertility in women; however, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) remains elusive. The present study investigated the possible involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-dependent chloride channel, in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx.


METHODS
Masson's trichrome staining was used to characterize epithelial transformation in human HSP; RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used for CFTR expression and localization.


RESULTS
Masson's trichrome staining showed areas of epithelial transformation, focally attenuated and pseudostratified. Immunostaining showed enhanced CFTR immunoreactivity in the focally attenuated and pseudostratified areas of HSP epithelium. RT-PCR revealed that CFTR expression in HSP was significantly greater than that in normal Fallopian tubes.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that HSP epithelium undergoes epithelial transformation with elevated CFTR expression, which may lead to increased transepithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion resulting in HF formation. The present findings may lead to the development of new treatment strategies for infertile patients with HSP.
Ajonuma
Louis Chukwuemeka
LC
Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin.
Ng
Ernest Hung Yu
EH
Chow
Pak Ham
PH
Hung
Cathy Yui
CY
Tsang
Lai Ling
LL
Cheung
Annie Nga Yin
AN
Brito-Jones
Christine
C
Lok
Ingrid Hung
IH
J Haines
Christopher
C
Chan
Hsiao Chang
HC
D000328:Adult; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000473:pathology; D005184:Fallopian Tube Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000235:genetics / Q000473:pathology; D012016:Reference Values; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
C505032:CFTR protein, human; D019005:Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator