We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Gene expression and immunolocalization of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor and human epidermal growth factor receptors in human corpus luteum.
- Authors
Noriyuki Ohara
- Abstract
BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to elucidate gene expression and immunolocalization of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) family in the human ovary during luteal growth and regression. METHODS: Ovaries obtained from pre-menopausal women were used for immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative RT–PCR analysis. RESULTS: Immunoreactive HB-EGF was not detected in follicles or oocyte, while HB-EGF became apparent in granulosa luteal cells in the early luteal phase, and most abundant in the mid-luteal phase, but less abundant in the late luteal phase. Immunostaining for HER1 was very weak in granulosa luteal cells in the early and mid-luteal phases, and was not detected in the late luteal phase. Immunoreactive HER4 was abundant in the early luteal phase and became less abundant in the mid-luteal phase, whereas it was negative in the late luteal phase. Semiquantitative RT–PCR analysis revealed that HB-EGF and HER1 mRNA levels were high in the mid-luteal phase, whereas HER4 mRNA expression was high in the early luteal phase. CONCLUSIONS: HB-EGF may play a vital role in regulating luteal growth in a juxtacrine manner and through activating HER4 signalling.
- Subjects
CORPUS luteum; GENE expression; EPIDERMAL growth factor; HEPARIN
- Publication
Human Reproduction, 2005, Vol 20, Issue 10, p2708
- ISSN
0268-1161
- Publication type
Article