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Membrane progesterone receptor gamma: Tissue distribution and expression in ciliated cells in the fallopian tube
Author(s) -
Nutu Magdalena,
Weijdegård Birgitta,
Thomas Peter,
Bergh Christina,
ThurinKjellberg Ann,
Pang Yefei,
Billig Håkan,
Larsson D.G. Joakim
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
molecular reproduction and development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.745
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1098-2795
pISSN - 1040-452X
DOI - 10.1002/mrd.20685
Subject(s) - fallopian tube , biology , receptor , microbiology and biotechnology , apical membrane , ovary , antibody , progesterone receptor , sperm , medicine , endocrinology , epithelium , immunology , anatomy , genetics , cancer , estrogen receptor , breast cancer
Non‐genomic, rapid actions of steroids have long been known, suggesting the possible presence of non‐classical steroid receptors. A membrane receptor for progestins (mPR) was recently described in the spotted seatrout, and transcripts of three related receptors (α, β, and γ) were subsequently identified in other species including human and mouse. To begin exploring the roles of mPRγ in mammals, we have generated an antibody against this receptor. The specificity of the antibody was demonstrated by both overexpression and RNA interference experiments. Using the antibody, we show that mPRγ is expressed in female mouse reproductive tissues such as ovary and fallopian tube, and also in the lung and liver of both sexes. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that mPRγ is associated with the apical membrane of ciliated cells facing the lumen of the fallopian tube. The presence of mPRγ in ciliated cells of the fallopian tube was also demonstrated in human samples. Rapid effects of progesterone on ciliary beat frequency in the fallopian tube have recently been reported. Together, this suggests a common role for mPRγ in the regulation of ciliary activity in the fallopian tube and thus gamete transport in mammals. The presence of mPRγ in lung and liver of mice suggests that the receptor mediates the actions of progesterone outside the reproductive tract as well. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 843–850, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.