In vitro regulation of β1 and β3 integrin subunits in endometrial epithelial cells from normal endometrium

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) on integrin expression. DESIGN: Cultures of endometrial epithelial cells from normal endometrium. SETTING: All endometrial specimens were obtained from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Catholic University, Rome, Italy. PATIENTS: Four patients with normal menstrual cycles undergoing operative laparoscopy for non-endometrial problems. INTERVENTION: Endometrial samples were collected by uterine courettings. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Immunocytochemistry for beta1 and beta3 integrin subunits. RESULTS: PGE(2) clearly enhances both beta1 and beta3 integrin subunit expression. IL-1beta seem to slightly increase only beta3 subunit expression. CONCLUSIONS: In light of the critical role played by eicosanoids in endometrial differentiation, we suggest that PGE(2) is also involved in local paracrine regulation of integrin expression.