Attenuated Tubal and Endometrial Urocortin 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Expression in Ectopic Pregnancy

作者：Borges L E; Horne A W; McDonald S E; Shaw J L V; Lourenco P C; Petraglia F; Critchley H O D^*

来源：Reproductive Sciences, 2011, 18(3): 261-268.

DOI：10.1177/1933719110385132

• urocortin 1
• corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor
• Fallopian tube
• endometrium
• ectopic pregnancy

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.

• 出版日期2011-3