Regulation of contractility of cultured human endometrial stromal cells by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the involvement of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in endometrial tissue remodeling during the perimenstrual period.


METHODS
Human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) were isolated from eight premenopausal patients in the late secretory phase. The effects of TNF-alpha on the contractility of cultured ESCs were investigated by collagen gel contraction assay. The effects of TNF-alpha on the proliferation of ESCs were also assessed by a modified methylthiazoletetrazolium assay.


RESULTS
TNF-alpha significantly upregulated the collagen gel contractility of ESCs in a dose-dependent manner. TNF-alpha did not affect ESC proliferation.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that TNF-alpha may promote endometrial tissue repair by stimulating the contraction of the extracellular matrix by ESCs. By regulating ESC function during the perimenstrual period, TNF-alpha may be involved in the physiological tissue remodeling of the cyclic endometrium.
Yuge
Akitoshi
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu-Shi, Oita, Japan.
Nasu
Kaei
K
Tsusue
Hatsumi
H
Ikegami
Etsuko
E
Nishida
Masakazu
M
Matsumoto
Harunobu
H
Narahara
Hisashi
H
D000328:Adult; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000378:metabolism; D017697:Premenopause; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects*
D016207:Cytokines; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha