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Human Cervix Contains Functional Luteinizing Hormone/Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Receptors

Division of Research, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, Kentucky 40292

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Dr. Ch. V. Rao, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Women’s Health, University of Louisville Health Sciences Center, Louisville, Kentucky 40292. E-mail: cvrao001{at}gwise.louisville.edu.

The upper genital tract of women contains functional LH/human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) receptors. Whether the cervix, an anatomical continuum of the uterus and fallopian tubes, also contains these receptors has never been investigated. Multiple receptor detection techniques revealed their presence with higher levels in endocervix than in ectocervix. The receptor positive cells include stratified squamous luminal epithelium of the ectocervix, columnar epithelium, glands, blood vessels, and smooth muscle in the endocervix. Treatment of cervical tissue minces with hCG resulted in a significant increase in cAMP levels and a decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels in endocervix, but not in ectocervix. In summary, human cervix contains functional LH/hCG receptors, which suggests that LH during the menstrual cycle and hCG during pregnancy may regulate cervical functions.

P.C.L.’s present address: Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington 98105.

Abbreviations: COX-2, Cyclooxygenase-2; hCG, human chorionic gonadotropin; PGE₂, prostaglandin E₂.

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