Immunohistochemical localization, identification and regulation of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in the human endometrium

There is evidence suggesting the importance of the interleukin-1 receptor type I (IL-1Rtl) and interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta) as mediators in local intercellular interactions in endometrial tissue and embryonic implantation. To complete our understanding of the entire endometrial IL-1 system in humans, we have investigated the immunohistochemical distribution of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in the human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle. We have also identified the forms of IL-1ra present in human endometrial cells. lmmunoreactive IL-1ra was found in both cryostat and paraffin-embedded sections of human endometrium using the alkaline phosphatase-peroxidase (A-P) method with two different IL-1ra antibodies. IL-1ra was present throughout the entire menstrual cycle, located primarily in the endometrial epithelium. However, IL-1ra staining was significantly higher during follicular phase in comparison with early and mid-late luteal phases. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction of cultured stromal and glandular cells showed that these cells express the intracellular form of IL-1ra mRNA (icIL-1ra). Our results demonstrate the regulated presence of the icIL-1ra in the human endometrium. This finding supports a possible autocrine-paracrine role for the IL-1 system in the human endometrium and embryonic implantation.