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Identification of Heme Oxygenase in Human Endometrium

Comprehensive Reproductive Medicine, Regulation of Internal Environment and Reproduction, Systemic Organ Regulation, Graduate School, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Naoyuki Yoshiki, M.D., Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Graduate School, 1-5-45, Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8519, Japan. E-mail: n.yoshiki.gyne{at}med.tmd.ac.jp

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 and HO-2 in human endometrium at various stages of the menstrual cycle using RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. RT-PCR detected mRNA for HO-1 and HO-2 in human endometrium at all stages of the menstrual cycle. Western blotting also revealed the expression of the two distinct HO proteins throughout the menstrual cycle. HO-1 was constitutively expressed, whereas HO-2 expression was apparently greater in the secretory phase than in the menstrual and proliferative phases. Immunohistochemistry showed that distribution of the two HO isoforms had distinct topographic patterns: HO-1 was observed in endometrial epithelial cells and macrophages, whereas HO-2 was found in endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells of blood vessels in the endometrium. The detection of mRNA and protein for HO-1 and HO-2 in normal human endometrium suggests that the carbon monoxide/HO system may play a role in the local control of endometrial function.

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