Mechanisms of acetylcholine-dependent production of H2O2 and NO2- by stromal cells of endometrium

The metabolism of NO(NO2-) and H2O2(O2-) by stroma cells of pig endometrium is NAD(P)H and glutathione-dependent process. The efficiency of biosynthesis and utilization of these metabolites appreciably depends on the state of SH-groups of the conforming ferment systems. And the reversible oxidation of SH-groups (maybe by the reaction products) results in the drop of biosynthesis rate. The NO and H2O2 metabolism is also defined by the state of oxidative metabolism of arachidonic acid (depending on salicylate), and also intensity of a course of redox-processes on plasmalemma (is regulated by cytochrome c). The NO2- biosynthesis by stroma cells is strongly inhibited by the agents, which super produce H2O2(O2-) (salicylate and cytochrome c). The NO(NO2-) and H2O2(O2-) metabolism at stimulation by acetylcholine is of cyclic character, and the infringement of any link during biosynthesis or utilization of these compositions results in losses of cyclicity. In contrast to this the formation of nitrosoglutathione with time achieves the saturation, which reflects its buffer and depositing with respect to NO function and permits to consider formation of the latter as one of mechanisms of effective utilization of NO(NO2-)--by the stroma cells.     

Effect of steroid hormones and oxytocin on NO and H2O2 production in the endometrium

The time and concentration regularities of influence of based estrogens (estrone), hystogenes (progesterone) and their analogs (ecdysterone and diethylstilbestrole) on production of NO and H2O2 by endometrium stroma cells. The level of NO2- in the cell suspension was determined on Grees reactive response, and H2O2 by permanganate measurements in paravariation with the use of horse-radisch peroxidase. It is supposed, that the studied steroids in the experiment conditions affect both the constitutive enzyme systems (membrane or nongenomic phase of activity), and the level of a gene expression (actynomycin D sensitive) and their activity is connected with the rising of concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ in cells. It is shown, that progesterone in hormonal concentrations boosts biosynthesis of NO and H2O2, in comparison with estrone, both in real time of signalling events in the cells (5-30 s), and at long-term action (1-3 h) more effectively. The analogs of steroid hormones, ecdysterone and diethylstilbestrole, were considerably by characterized less effect. The obtained results allow to assume a prime role of progesterone in mechanisms of the endometrium-dependent relaxation of the myometrium. Peptide hormone oxytocine reduces NO production by endometrium and destroys the conforming promoting effect of progesterone, that can testify to the important role of endometrium in processes of initiation of contractile activity of a uterus in labors. The form and amplitude of changes of NO and H2O2 concentration specific for each of studied agonists dilate essentially potentialities of the biological information transmission and allow distinguishing more in detail the external signals and to differentiate the response of cells to various external stimulants. Nitrogen oxide plays an essential role in our system both in the real time of signalling events in cells, and under long-term action, whereas hydrogen peroxide--only at the first stage.     

Role of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ in changes of NO2- and H2O2 production by endometrium

The work is aimed to find out the role of extra- and intracellular Ca2+ in cyclic mechanisms of NO2- and H2O2 metabolism in the stroma cells of endometrium activated by acetylcholine. High activity of Mg2+, Ca(2+)-ATP-ase is characteristic of stroma cells of the endometrium. This activity is tested in the presence of 0.01% of the Triton X-100 (36 +/- +/- 2 mumole Pi/mg of protein for 1 hour). The acetylcholinesterase activity in these systems is equal to 9.8 +/- 0.2 mumole thiocholinebromide/mg of protein for 1 hour. Acetylcholine (10 microM) elevated essentially the concentration of cytosolic Ca2+ in them. It was established, that in the control the suspension of stroma cells produced 1 nmol/NO2-/10(6) of cells, this value being constant for the experimental period of time in the range of 5-60 s. The activation of cells (1 microM acetylcholine + 10 microM Ca2+) results in the appearance of cyclicity (maxima on 5, 15 and 60 s) and 5-fold intensification of NO2- production. The rise of extracellular concentration of Ca2+ up to 0.1-1--10 mM results in essential change of the character of the time dependence of NO2- metabolism and only in inappreciable intensification of the response amplitude. Such a pattern is observed for H2O2: 0.77 mumol H2O2/10(6) of cells in the control, at 10 microM Ca2+ maxima of production on the 5 and 30 s, change of the form of the time response, instead of the amplitude under the increase of concentration of extracellular Ca2+. Preincubation of cells with modifiers endoplasmic reticulum ryanodine, caffeine (1 mM) and heparine (10 mM) results in essential drop of NO2- production and infringement of cyclicity, the effect of ryanodine being more expressed on 5 s, than on 15 s, and heparine--also on 5 s, and on 15 s. Preincubation of cells with methylene blue (10 mM), which inhibits guanilate cyclase, result in considerable intensification of NO2- and H2O2 formation and cyclicity losses. Dynamics of NO2- formation (is controversy) reciprocated with cGMP, whereas nitrosoglutathione production and NO3- tends to saturation in the course of time. Thus, acetylcholine-dependent variations of NO2- and H2O2 concentrations in the suspension of stroma cells depend on the state of extra- and intracellular Ca(2+)-stores, are controlled by cGMP. It may be assumed, that the NO2- production minima are caused by its transfer in NO3- and its binding with glutathione.     

Production of prostaglandin f(2alpha) by cultured bovine endometrial cells in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha: cell type specificity and intracellular mechanisms

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) has been shown to be a potent stimulator of prostaglandin (PG) F(2alpha) secretion in the bovine endometrium. The aims of the present study were to determine the cell types in the endometrium (epithelial or stromal cells) responsible for the secretion of PGF(2alpha) in response to TNFalpha, and the intracellular mechanisms of TNFalpha action. Cultured bovine epithelial and stromal cells were exposed to TNFalpha (0.006-6 nM) or oxytocin (100 nM) for 4 h. TNFalpha resulted in a dose-dependent increase of PGF(2alpha) production in the stromal cells (P < 0.001) but not in the epithelial cells. On the other hand, oxytocin stimulated PGF(2alpha) output in the epithelial cells but not in the stromal cells. When the stromal cells were incubated for 24 h with TNFalpha and inhibitors of phospholipase (PL) C or PLA(2), only PLA(2) inhibitor completely stopped the actions of TNFalpha (P < 0.001). When the stromal cells were exposed to TNFalpha and arachidonic acid, the action of TNFalpha was augmented (P < 0.001). When the stromal cells were incubated for 24 h with a nitric oxide (NO) donor (S-NAP), S-NAP stimulated the PGF(2alpha) production dose-dependently. Although an NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor (L-NAME) reduced TNFalpha-stimulated PGF(2alpha) production, an inhibitor of phosphodiesterase augmented the actions of TNFalpha and S-NAP (P < 0. 05). The overall results indicate that the target of TNFalpha for stimulation of PGF(2alpha) production in cattle is the endometrial stromal cells, and that the actions of TNFalpha are mediated via the activation of PLA(2) and arachidonic acid conversion. Moreover, TNFalpha may exert a stimulatory effect on PGF(2alpha) production via the induction of NOS and the subsequent NO-cGMP formation.     

The release of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 from separated cells of human endometrium and decidua

The capacity of separated glandular and stromal cells from endometrium and first trimester decidua to release prostaglandins (PGs) was studied over 48 hours in culture. Glandular preparations released more PGs than stromal preparations in all tissues. Stromal release of PGs did not alter throughout the cycle or in early pregnancy but the capacity of glandular preparations to release PGs varied considerably. Proliferative glands released most PGF2 alpha and PGE2 followed by secretory glands and decidua. Histamine (10(-5)) stimulated PG release from endometrial and decidual glands but the response of proliferative glands was greatest. Actinomycin D stimulated release of PGF2 alpha and PGE2 from glandular cells of secretory endometrium and decidua. These results suggest that in vitro release of PGs is suppressed after ovulation and is in part due to inhibition of PG release by a protein or proteins synthesized in the glandular fraction of secretory endometrium or decidua.     

Regulation of FAS ligand expression by chemokine ligand 2 in human endometrial cells

Human endometrium is a dynamic tissue under the influence of numerous hormones, growth factors, and cytokines interacting to maintain a balance of cellular growth, differentiation, and apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that several factors including interleukin-8, extracellular matrix, and steroid hormones modulate FASLG, one of the apoptotic molecules, in human endometrium. Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), a monocyte chemoattractant and activating factor, is a cytokine involved in endometrial function. CCL2 is elevated in the peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis. We hypothesize that increased levels of CCL2 in the endometriotic environment may upregulate FASLG expression in human endometrial stromal cells and induce a local immunotolerance in endometriosis. To test our hypothesis, we studied the in vitro regulation of FASLG expression and apoptosis by CCL2 in endometrial stromal cells. Western blot analysis revealed that CCL2 upregulated FASLG protein expression in cultured endometrial stromal cells. Based on semiquantitative RT-PCR analysis, CCL2 did not alter either FAS or FASLG mRNA expression in endometrial stromal cells. Immunocytochemistry results from the same cells treated with CCL2 demonstrated upregulation of FASLG protein expression. CCL2 did not change rate of apoptosis in endometrial stromal cells as evaluated by TUNEL assay. However, an increased apoptotic rate was detected in Jurkat (T lymphocytes) cells cocultured with endometrial stromal cells previously treated with CCL2. We speculate that increased FASLG expression by CCL2 may induce apoptosis of T lymphocytes and thus produce an immunotolerant environment for the development of ectopic implants.     

Regulation of prostaglandin secretion from epithelial and stromal cells of the bovine endometrium by interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-2, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Bovine endometrium was obtained on day 16 of pregnancy (estrus = 0) and separated into epithelial and stromal cell populations. When confluent, the two cell populations were treated for 24 h with cytokines at 1, 10 and 100 ng/ml. Prostaglandin (PG) E2 was the major prostaglandin produced by both cell types. For control cultures, more PGE2 was secreted into medium by stromal cells than by epithelial cells, whereas secretion of PGF was similar for epithelial and stromal cells. Interleukin-1 beta had no effect on prostaglandin production by stromal cell cultures but increased epithelial production of PGE2 and, to a lesser extent, PGF. Conversely, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor had no effect on epithelial cells but reduced secretion of PGE2 and PGF from stromal cells. There were no effects of interleukin-2 or tumor necrosis factor-alpha on prostaglandin secretion. Results indicate that certain cytokines can regulate endometrial prostaglandin secretion in a cell type-restricted manner.     

Cell-specific localization of prostaglandin E2-sensitive adenylate cyclase in rabbit endometrium

Epithelial and stromal cells were isolated from endometrium of Day 1 pseudopregnant rabbits by enzymatic digestion with trypsin or trypsin:collagenase:deoxyribonuclease. Dispersed cells were grown in RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% whole or steroid-depleted fetal bovine serum (FBS). Epithelial and stromal cells reached confluency after 6 to 7 days in culture and showed specific characteristics. Cells could be differentiated according to morphology, growth patterns, electrophoretic patterns, and response to estrogen or progesterone. Hormonal stimulation of adenylate cyclase activity was measured in broken cell preparations by catalytic transformation of alpha-32P-adenosine triphosphate into 32P-adenosine 3'-5' cyclic monophosphate (cAMP). Adenylate cyclase activity was present in fresh endometrial tissue and in dispersed cells after 7 days in culture. The enzyme activity was significantly higher in stromal than in epithelial cells at all stimulation levels: basal (9.2 +/- 1.0 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.6, p less than 0.001) and guanosine triphosphate (GTP, 300 microM) (25.4 +/- 2.9 vs. 7.0 +/- 1.6, p less than 0.001). Net response to prostaglandin E2 (PGE2, 10 microM) was three times higher (p less than 0.001) in stromal (17 +/- 2) than in epithelial (5.0 +/- 1) cells. These results suggest that PGE2 can stimulate adenylate cyclase in rabbit endometrium and that the enzyme is preferentially localized in the stroma. Our results are in agreement with the hypothesis that cAMP formed in endometrium in response to PGE2 might be involved in the decidual reaction.     

NO可能作为H2O2的下游信号介导ABA诱导的蚕豆气孔关闭

ABA、H2O2和硝普钠(SNP)均能诱导蚕豆气孔关闭.NO的清除剂c-PTIO可以减轻由ABA或H2O2所诱导的蚕豆气孔关闭的程度,而过氧化氢酶(CAT)则不能减轻NO诱导的气孔关闭程度.激光共聚焦显微检测结果显示,10μmo1/L的ABA处理后,胞内H2O2的产生速率明显高于NO的产生速率;CAT几乎可完全抑制ABA所诱导的DAF的荧光增加;外源H2O2能显著诱导胞内DAF的荧光增加;c-PTIO对ABA诱导的DCF荧光略有促进作用,但外源SNP不能诱导胞内DCF荧光增加.这些结果表明,在ABA诱导气孔关闭过程中,H2O2可能在NO的上游起作用并受NO的负反馈调节.     

Decidualized and pre-decidualized normal endometrial stromal cells produce more O-linked N-acetylglucosamine containing epitope H than non-decidualized normal endometrial stromal cells

The epitope H contains an O-linked N-acetylglucosamine residue in a specific conformation and/or environment recognized by the monoclonal antibody H (mAbH). mAbH stains two bands with Mr x10(-3) of 209 and 62 in lysates of cultured rat astrocytes. In addition, in extracts of cultured MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line cells it stains cytokeratin 8 and five polypeptides originating from Triton X-100-soluble (Mr x10(-3) of 232, 67 and 37) and from the Triton X-100-insoluble (Mr x10(-3) of 51 and 50) fractions, respectively. In our previous studies we used the mAbH to investigate by immunostaining the expression of the epitope H in normal human brains, human brains with a variety of lesions, astrocytic tumors, infiltrating ductal breast carcinomas, fibroadenomas, and mitochondria-rich normal, metaplastic and neoplastic cells. In order to gain further insight into the expression patterns of the epitope H in human tissues we used the mAbH to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of the epitope H in normal human endometrium, including 30 cases of proliferative endometrium, 30 cases of early secretory endometrium, 30 cases of mid secretory endometrium, 30 cases of late secretory endometrium and 30 cases of decidual tissues. The main results were the following: 1) The decidual stromal cells presented in all cases high cytoplasmic expression of the epitope H; 2) The pre-decidual stromal cells presented in all cases of late secretory endometrium significant cytoplasmic expression of the epitope H ranging from moderate to high expression; 3) The non pre-decidual stromal cells of the functional endometrial layer presented in all cases insignificant cytoplasmic expression of the epitope H ranging from null to low expression; 4) The stromal cells of the basal layer of the endometrium and decidua did not express the epitope H in any case; 5) The endometrial stromal granulocytes did not express the epitope H in any case and 6) The blood vessel wall cells (endothelial and smooth muscle) of the endometrium through the whole duration of the menstrual cycle and of the decidua presented high cytoplasmic expression of the epitope H. It is concluded that decidualized and pre-decidualized human normal endometrial stromal cells show increased expression of the O-linked N-acetylglucosamine containing epitope H compared to non-decidualized endometrial stromal cells. These findings suggest that the expression of the epitope H may be under positive progesteronic control in normal human endometrium. Further investigation of the antigens bearing the epitope H might help to gain further insight into the histophysiology and the pathology of human endometrium.     

Regulation of bcl-2 gene family members in human endometrium by antiprogestin administration in vivo.

It is likely that the changes which occur in the endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle involve apoptosis, and that expression of associated genes, such as the bcl-2 family, are regulated by sex steroids. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of bcl-2, Bax and oestrogen receptor proteins in secretory endometrium collected from ten patients with normal ovulatory cycles 4 or 6 days after the LH surge, and on the same days in a subsequent cycle in which the formation of secretory changes was inhibited by the administration of the antiprogestin mifepristone (RU486) 2 days after the onset of the LH surge. Since some stromal cells display positive immunoreactivity, leucocyte subpopulations of macrophages (CD68-positive) and large granular lymphocytes (CD56-positive) were identified in serial sections. After administration of mifepristone on day 2 after the LH surge, a significant increase in bcl-2 immunoreactivity was observed in glandular and surface epithelium. A positive correlation (0.874) with nuclear oestrogen receptor immunoreactivity in endometrial glands was demonstrated. Subsets of stromal cells, identified as CD68-positive macrophages and CD56-positive large granular lymphocytes displayed positive immunoreactivity for the bcl-2 epitope, which was unaffected by mifepristone administration. Bax immunostaining was similar in control and antiprogestin-treated endometrium. These data indicate that antiprogestin administration inhibits progesterone downregulation of steroid receptors in endometrial glands, resulting in persistence of a proliferative endometrium and accompanying bcl-2 secretion.     

小鼠围着床期子宫内膜甲基化CpG结合域蛋白2的表达规律

为研究甲基化CpG结合域蛋白2（methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2,MBD2）在围植入期小鼠子宫内膜的表达规律,通过采用实时荧光定量PCR（Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR,qPCR）、Western blot和免疫组化技术检测未孕小鼠（d0）和不同孕天小鼠子宫MBD2的表达情况。qPCR结果显示,d0至d7的小鼠子宫内膜组织均有MBD2 mRNA表达,在d5至d7高表达。MBD2蛋白在子宫内膜的表达规律与qPCR结果相符。MBD2蛋白在孕d1到d4中度表达于腔上皮、腺上皮和基质细胞,在d5至d7基质细胞表达增强,主要表达于蜕膜区。假孕小鼠子宫内膜中,MBD2在腔上皮、腺上皮和基质细胞中中度表达,d5至d7基质细胞表达明显减弱。动物模型中,宫角注射MBD2基因反义寡聚脱氧核苷酸,可抑制MBD2的表达,降低人工诱导蜕膜化反应和蜕膜化标志物PRL的表达。MBD2在早孕小鼠子宫内膜的表达模式提示其可能参与了蜕膜化过程。     

Bovine endometrial stromal cells display osteogenic properties

The endometrium is central to mammalian fertility. The endometrial stromal cells are very dynamic, growing and differentiating throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy. In humans, stromal cells appear to have progenitor or stem cell capabilities and the cells can even differentiate into bone. It is not clear whether bovine endometrial stromal cells exhibit a similar phenotypic plasticity. So, the present study tested the hypothesis that bovine endometrial stromal cells could be differentiated along an osteogenic lineage. Pure populations of bovine stromal cells were isolated from the endometrium. The endometrial stromal cell phenotype was confirmed by morphology, prostaglandin secretion, and susceptibility to viral infection. However, cultivation of the cells in standard endometrial cell culture medium lead to a mesenchymal phenotype similar to that of bovine bone marrow cells. Furthermore, the endometrial stromal cells developed signs of osteogenesis, such as alizarin positive nodules. When the stromal cells were cultured in a specific osteogenic medium the cells rapidly developed the characteristics of mineralized bone. In conclusion, the present study has identified that stromal cells from the bovine endometrium show a capability for phenotype plasticity similar to mesenchymal progenitor cells. These observations pave the way for further investigation of the mechanisms of stroma cell differentiation in the bovine reproductive tract.     

TNF-alpha, H2O2 and NO response of peritoneal macrophages to Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 derivatives

In this study, the effect of Yersinia derivatives on nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production by murine peritoneal macrophages was investigated. Addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to the macrophage culture resulted in NO production that was dose dependent. On the other hand, bacterial cellular extract (CE) and Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) had no effect on NO production. The possible inhibitory effect of Yops on macrophage cultures stimulated with LPS was investigated. Yops partially inhibited NO production (67.4%) when compared with aminoguanidine. The effects of Yersinia derivatives on H2O2 production by macrophages were similar to those on NO production. LPS was the only derivative that stimulated H2O2 release in a dose-dependent manner. All Yersinia derivatives provoked the production of TNF-alpha, but LPS had the strongest effect, as observed for NO production. CE and Yops stimulated TNF-alpha production to a lesser extent than LPS. The results indicate the possibility that in vivo Yops may aid the evasion of the bacteria from the host defense mechanism by impairing the secretion of NO by macrophages.     

Interrelation between NO and H2O2 formation and their role in the regulation of ion homeostasis of cells

The review deals with some problems of formation, utilization and functioning two of the most important and the lest cytotoxic active oxidative metabolites--NO and H2O2. The interrelation of NO and H2O2 cellular metabolism is reviewed. There are literature data regarding NO and H2O2 significance in the cellular signalling transduction and tissues paracrine regulation. The peculiar attention is dedicated to NO and H2O2 significance in the smooth muscle cells ion homeostasis regulation particularly in the uterus. As well there are the own author's data evidencing about the composite and ambiguous concentration-dependent physiological action of these metabolites. Varying in level in the cells NO and H2O2 may have a cyclic character similar to the oscillations of some other signaling molecules concentrations, evidently playing an important role in the mechanisms of cellular signal transduction and in the paracrine system.     

Histochemical identification of cultured cells from human endometrium

Histochemical techniques have been applied to the identification of cell types cultured from human endometrium. Previous work from this laboratory characterized two principal cell types found in cultures of endometrium: a mature epithelial cell and another cell which was classified as the endometrial stromal cell based on light and electron microscopy. In this report we compare the histochemical staining of endometrial tissue in frozen sections to that of cultured cells. These results confirm the epithelial and stromal nature of the respective cell types. Several markers were found that could distinguish between cells of epithelial and stromal origin. The enzymes alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, peroxidase, and beta-glucuronidase were localized in glandular and surface epithelia in frozen sections and in colonies of epithelial cells in culture. Stroma in frozen sections and cultured stromal cells contained leucine aminopeptidase and fibronectin. Epithelia in sections and in culture could also be distinguished from cells of stromal origin by preferential binding of lotus and peanut lectin. Several other markers were found in both endometrial epithelium and stroma.     

Dissimilatory Reduction of NO(2) to NH(4) and N(2)O by a Soil Citrobacter sp

Dissimilatory reduction of NO(2) to N(2)O and NH(4) by a soil Citrobacter sp. was studied in an attempt to elucidate the physiological and ecological significance of N(2)O production by this mechanism. In batch cultures with defined media, NO(2) reduction to NH(4) was favored by high glucose and low NO(3) concentrations. Nitrous oxide production was greatest at high glucose and intermediate NO(3) concentrations. With succinate as the energy source, little or no NO(2) was reduced to NH(4) but N(2)O was produced. Resting cell suspensions reduced NO(2) simultaneously to N(2)O and free extracellular NH(4). Chloramphenicol prevented the induction of N(2)O-producing activity. The K(m) for NO(2) reduction to N(2)O was estimated to be 0.9 mM NO(2), yet the apparent K(m) for overall NO(2) reduction was considerably lower, no greater than 0.04 mM NO(2). Activities for N(2)O and NH(4) production increased markedly after depletion of NO(3) from the media. Amendment with NO(3) inhibited N(2)O and NH(4) production by molybdate-grown cells but not by tungstate-grown cells. Sulfite inhibited production of NH(4) but not of N(2)O. In a related experiment, three Escherichia coli mutants lacking NADH-dependent nitrite reductase produced N(2)O at rates equal to the wild type. These observations suggest that N(2)O is produced enzymatically but not by the same enzyme system responsible for dissimilatory reduction of NO(2) to NH(4).