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- Title
Increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) expression in the human hydrosalpinx.
- Authors
Louis Chukwuemeka Ajonuma; Ernest Hung Yu Ng; Pak Ham Chow; Cathy Yui Hung; Lai Ling Tsang; Annie Nga Yin Cheung; Christine Brito-Jones; Ingrid Hung Lok; Christopher J.Haines; Hsiao Chang Chan
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hydrosalpinx (HSP), characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in the Fallopian tube, is one of the main causes of infertility in women; however, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) remains elusive. The present study investigated the possible involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-dependent chloride channel, in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx. METHODS: Masson's trichrome staining was used to characterize epithelial transformation in human HSP; RTPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used for CFTR expression and localization. RESULTS: Masson's trichrome staining showed areas of epithelial transformation, focally attenuated and pseudostratified. Immunostaining showed enhanced CFTR immunoreactivity in the focally attenuated and pseudostratified areas of HSP epithelium. RTPCR revealed that CFTR expression in HSP was significantly greater than that in normal Fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HSP epithelium undergoes epithelial transformation with elevated CFTR expression, which may lead to increased transepithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion resulting in HF formation. The present findings may lead to the development of new treatment strategies for infertile patients with HSP.
- Subjects
CYSTIC fibrosis; GENETIC disorders; OVIDUCT; ADNEXA uteri
- Publication
Human Reproduction, 2005, Vol 20, Issue 5, p1228
- ISSN
0268-1161
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/humrep/deh773