Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), its receptor, and macrophages in the perifollicular stroma during the human ovulatory process.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the expression and localization of the macrophage-specific chemokine monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2), and macrophages (CD68) in the perifollicular stroma of different phases of the human ovulatory process and its relation to macrophage influx.


METHODS
Experimental study on patient-controlled material.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-eight women planned to undergo laparoscopic sterilization.


METHODS
Surgery was performed at either of four distinct ovulatory phases, and a biopsy sample was obtained from the perifollicular stroma of the ovulatory follicle.


METHODS
Real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry were used for measurements of MCP-1, CCR2, and macrophages.


RESULTS
The messenger RNA levels of MCP-1 in the perifollicular stroma increased from the preovulatory to the late ovulatory phase and declined during the postovulatory phase. A higher density of macrophages was found in the preovulatory and early ovulatory phases compared with late and postovulatory phases. Monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and CCR2 were present in the stroma. Protein expression of CD68 and CCR2 were identified in the four ovulatory phases.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates an upregulation of MCP-1 in the stroma compartment around the human follicle during the ovulatory process, and a high density of macrophages was found at earlier phases. Thus, inflammation-like reactions are integral in the ovulatory process and may be targeted to stimulate or inhibit this process.
Dahm-Kähler
Pernilla
P
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden. pernilla.dahm-kahler@vgregion.se
Ghahremani
Manda
M
Lind
Anna-Karin
AK
Sundfeldt
Karin
K
Brännström
Mats
M
D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D005784:Gene Amplification; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology*; D010060:Ovulation / Q000502:physiology*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*; D054390:Receptors, CCR2 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D013245:Sterilization, Reproductive / Q000379:methods*
C111835:CCL2 protein, human; C515334:CCR2 protein, human; D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D054390:Receptors, CCR2