MRC Human Reproductive Sciences Unit (C.L.D., R.W.K.) and Obstetrics and Gynaecology (H.O.D.C.), University of Edinburgh, Centre for Reproductive Biology, Edinburgh EH3 9ET, United Kingdom
Abstract
A greater knowledge of IL-5 regulation within human endometrium is
important in understanding key reproductive events and uterine Natural
Killer cell function. In the present study, expression of IL-15 mRNA
was shown to be up-regulated by both PGE2 and IFN- in
cultures of human endometrial stromal cells (ESC). Release of IL-15
protein was also shown to be under the control of PGE2 and
IFN-
using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for IL-15. In
addition, 8-Bromo cAMP was able to increase IL-15 release from ESCs
(P < 0.005) implying the actions of PGE2 may
be via this second messenger. Addition of a progestin appeared to
enhance these effects. Real-time quantitative PCR has demonstrated an
up-regulation in IL-15 mRNA expression in the late secretory phase of
the menstrual cycle (P < 0.005) and a progressive rise in
IFN-
expression throughout the secretory phase and into first
trimester decidua. These results suggest that IL-15 regulation in the
human endometrium is complex and that hormonal control may be indirect.