title: Regulation of contractility of cultured human endometrial stromal cells by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu-Shi, Oita, Japan.
authors.forename: Akitoshi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yuge
authors.forename: Kaei
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nasu
authors.forename: Hatsumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Tsusue
authors.forename: Etsuko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ikegami
authors.forename: Masakazu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nishida
authors.forename: Harunobu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Matsumoto
authors.forename: Hisashi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Narahara
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha