Independent regulation of prostaglandins and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 by interleukin-1β and hCG in human endometrial cells

Abstract

Background: Inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins (PG), chemokines, cytokines and their interactions regulate reproductive functions. The relationship between PG and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) has not been elucidated in human endometrium. The presence of hCG receptors in the human endometrium suggests that this embryonic signal may exert a local function in this tissue. Our objectives were to investigate the possible association between PG and MCP-1 and to examine the role of hCG in interleukin-1β (IL-1β)-regulated PG and MCP-1 production in human endometrium. Methods: Primary cell cultures isolated from endometrial biopsies were used as an in vitro model. PG and MCP-1 levels were measured in the culture medium. Results: IL-1β stimulates the production of both PG and MCP-1. Neither COX inhibitors nor direct addition of PG affects MCP-1 production. By contrast, MCP-1 is able to induce PGE2 and PGF2α in a concentration-dependent manner but it does not appear to contribute to the increase in PG accumulation following IL-1β stimulation. hCG inhibits IL-1β-induced PG level. However, hCG has no effect on either basal or IL-1β-mediated MCP-1 level. Conclusions: PG are not involved in the regulation of MCP-1 production in endometrial cells. hCG appears to play a local function in the endometrium. © European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2004; all rights reserved.