Abstract
CYP3A4, a cytochrome P450 (P450) isoform metabolizes estrogens, whereas CYP3A7, a fetal liver P450 isoform, is involved in estriol biosynthesis. The goal of this study was to evaluate expression of these enzymes in human uterine tissue during the proliferative and secretory phases of the menstrual cycle. Endometrium and cervix specimens were collected from women undergoing hysterectomy (n = 36). Total mRNA was extracted, quantified, and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was carried out using consensus primers for CYP3A. The 453 base pairs PCR product was hybridized with specific internal oligonucleotide probes for CYP3A4 or CYP3A7 end labeled with 32P γ-ATP. The relative intensity of hybridization was determined by autoradiography. Expression of CYP3A7 in endometrium was significantly greater (∼10-fold) in the proliferative phase compared with the secretory phase (p < 0.05). CYP3A4 expression was comparable between the two phases. Expression of both enzymes was minimal in the cervix. Fluorescence in situ hybridization of paraffinized sections indicated localized expression of CYP3A enzymes in the glandular epithelium as well as the stroma. Comparison of relative fluorescence intensity indicated differential expression of CYP3A7 in various phases of the menstrual cycle. These results suggest that CYP3A expression in the endometrium of premenopausal women may vary depending on the menstrual cycle phase.
Footnotes
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This work was supported by a grant from National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute Grant R29-CA62369-01A1.
- Abbreviations used are::
- P450
- cytochrome P450
- DHEA-s
- 16-α-dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate
- RT-PCR
- reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction
- bp
- base pair(s)
- SSC
- standard saline citrate
- PBS
- phosphate-buffered saline
- Received June 19, 2002.
- Accepted September 12, 2002.
- The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
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