Quantitative detection of EP3-II, III and VI messenger RNA in gravid and non-gravid human myometrium using real-time RT-PCR.
OBJECTIVE
To examine mRNA expression of prostaglandin E2 receptor isoforms EP3-II, III and VI in lower uterine segment myometrium in the non-pregnant and pregnant state using quantitative real-time RT-PCR.


METHODS
Myometrial samples were obtained at the time of cesarean delivery or hysterectomy. Pregnant subjects were categorised based on the presence or absence of labour. Labour was defined as regular uterine contractions resulting in cervical change. Quantification for EP3 isoforms II, III and VI mRNA was performed using real-time RT-PCR.


RESULTS
There were no differences between non-pregnant and non-labouring pregnant subjects in mRNA expression of EP3-II, III and VI. However, when compared to pregnant subjects not in labour, labouring subjects had a 3.8-fold reduction in EP3-II expression (p < 0.001) and 5.3-fold reduction in EP3-VI expression (p = 0.022).


CONCLUSIONS
In human parturition, there is decreased mRNA expression of lower-uterine segment EP3 receptor isoforms II and VI during labour. This may reflect differential relaxation of the lower segment of the uterus allowing dilatation and descent of the fetus.
Lee
Richard H
RH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Los Angeles County-University of Southern California Medical Center, Women's and Children's Hospital, Los Angeles County, California, USA. richarhl@usc.edu
Goodwin
T Murphy
TM
Yang
Wangrong
W
Li
Aimin
A
Wilson
Melissa L
ML
Mullin
Patrick M
PM
Felix
Juan C
JC
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007743:Labor, Obstetric / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D009215:Myometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D010298:Parity / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011263:Pregnancy Trimester, Third / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D020033:Protein Isoforms / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D058308:Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods
C545647:PTGER3 protein, human; D020033:Protein Isoforms; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018078:Receptors, Prostaglandin E; D058308:Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype