Interstitial Cajal-like cells of human Fallopian tube express estrogen and progesterone receptors

Abstract

Cells of the female reproductive tract are subject to hormonal control via sex steroid genomic receptors expressed at nuclear level. We previously showed that interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC) of human myometrium expressed estrogen and progesterone receptors (ER/PR). Our aim, based on these results, was to see if ER and/or PR could be found also in tubal ICLC. Indeed, we present here immunohistochemical evidence that ICLC of human Fallopian tube (isthmic region) have such receptors. Stromal ICLC, as well as ICLC among smooth muscle layers, were identified in tissue sections by their morphological features (e.g. several very long, moniliform, prolongations of cell body) as well as by c-kit positivity, vital staining with methylene blue or silver impregnation. Additional evidence was provided by sequential staining for c-kit and for PR on the same cell, by 'sandwich method'. In vitro, the 4th passage cell cultures from Fallopian tube muscularis exhibiting ICLC morphology showed the presence of ER-alpha and/or PR-A by immunofluorescence. In conclusion, our data suggest that ICLC could function as steroid sensors, and might be implicated in Fallopian tube motility (via gap junctions or juxta- and/or paracrine mechanisms).

c-kit/CD 117 positive cells in the myometrium of pregnant women and those with uterine endometriosis

“…It has also been stated that the contractility of smooth muscle cells in the female genital tract is regulated by sex steroids [12]. Results of in vitro studies have demonstrated a strong nuclear co-localisation of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in CD 117-positive cells of the human female genital tract [13,14]. These results suggest that myometrial CD 117-positive cells could behave as sensors, controlling myometrial contractility, depending on steroid hormone levels.…”

Effect of Melatonin on Telocytes in the Seminal Vesicle of the Soay Ram: An Immunohistochemical, Ultrastructural and Morphometrical Study

“…TCs are considered to be signal modulators and transducers because of their organization into networks and their close affinity with nerve endings, capillaries, and other cell types [Yang et al, 2012]. Therefore, it can be suggested that TCs in seminal vesicles could act as steroid sensors, possibly via a gap junction-mediated mechanism [Cretoiu et al, 2009].…”

Oviduct: roles in fertilization and early embryo development

“…PGE 2 and PGF 2α increase muscle contraction, whereas PGE 1 decreases muscle contraction (Wanggren et al 2008). Evidence indicates that the contraction is possibly regulated by both E 2 and P 4 , as estrogen and progesterone receptors (ESR and PGR) are expressed in the interstitial Cajallike cells in the muscle cell layer of the oviduct (Cretoiu et al 2009). The function of the muscle contraction is generally recognized to be for sperm transport purposes (Overstreet & Cooper 1978a).…”