Immunoenzymatic localization of prolactin-like immunoreactivity in decidual cells of the endometrium from pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Abstract

Prolactin-like immunoreactivity has been localized by an immunoenzymatic method in the decidual cells of the endometrium in cases of early (10 weeks) normal pregnancy, (12 weeks) molar pregnancy, (8--10 weeks) tubal pregnancy, and of a nonpregnant woman under progestogen (lynestrenol) treatment. A specific endocrine influence, predominantly progestogenic, rather than the implantation of trophoblastic tissue seems to be required for the appearance of prolactin-like immunoreactivity in the decidual cells of the endometrium.

Expression of Prolactin Gene in Human Decidua During Pregnancy Studied by In Situ Hybridization Histochemistry.

“…In addition, some studies have shown PRL immunoreactivity in the nondecidual cells such as in the trophoblast [10,14,16] and amnion [15], whereas other studies have shown that only decidual cells are immunoreactive [11,13]. PRL mRNA was detected only in decidual tissues by Northern blot hybridization [24] and ISH [16].…”

“…This indicate that the specific hybridization signal for PRL was detected over the decidual cells. Immunocytochemical studies have shown that decidual cells are strongly immunoreactive against PRL antisera [10][11][12][13][14][15][16].…”

“…Studies have shown PRL immunoreactivity in the decidual cells [10][11][12][13][14][15][16], and in situ hybridization histochemistry (ISH) showed the localization of PRL mRNA in the decidual cells [16]. However, regional differences in PRL gene expression, such as in the decidua basalis, decidua parietalis and decidua capsularis, have not been clarified yet.…”