Attenuated tubal and endometrial urocortin 1 and corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor expression in ectopic pregnancy

Reprod Sci. 2011 Mar;18(3):261-8. doi: 10.1177/1933719110385132. Epub 2010 Oct 26.

Abstract

Fallopian tube (FT) and endometrial urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (CRH-R1/CRH-R2) expression were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in nonpregnant and pregnant women (intrauterine, IUP; ectopic pregnancy, EP). Tubal Ucn1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was higher in luteal compared to follicular phase (P < .01) and equivalent to follicular phase in FT from EP. Tubal CRH-R1/CRH-R2 mRNA was lower in luteal phase (P < .05) and in FT from EP compared to follicular phase (P < .01). Ucn1 mRNA was lower in endometrium from EP compared to IUP (P < .05). Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 mRNA was higher in endometrium from EP compared to viable IUP (P < .05). No differences were observed in CRH-R2 expression. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 protein was primarily localized to epithelium of FT and endometrium. Quantitative analysis of tubal CRH-R1 protein expression reflected that seen at the mRNA level but endometrial expression was equivocal. The demonstration of attenuated tubal/endometrial Ucn1/CRH-R expression in EP further supports a role of the CRH-family in embryo implantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Menstrual Cycle / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Tubal / metabolism*
  • RNA / chemistry
  • RNA / genetics
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / biosynthesis*
  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / genetics
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Urocortins / biosynthesis*
  • Urocortins / genetics
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Receptors, Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone
  • Urocortins
  • RNA