Open AccessInterstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLC) as steroid hormone sensors in human myometrium: immunocytochemical approach
Author(s) -
Cretoiu D.,
Ciontea Sanda M.,
Popescu L.M.,
Ceafalan Laura,
Ardeleanu Carmen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of cellular and molecular medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.44
H-Index - 130
eISSN - 1582-4934
pISSN - 1582-1838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2006.tb00438.x
Subject(s) - myometrium , paracrine signalling , receptor , immunohistochemistry , myocyte , endocrinology , biology , medicine , interstitial cell of cajal , cytoplasm , estrogen receptor , nucleus , estrogen , hormone , immunofluorescence , estrogen receptor alpha , steroid hormone , interstitial cell , microbiology and biotechnology , uterus , antibody , immunology , cancer , breast cancer
Expression of estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors was investigated in cultured human normal myometrial cells (non‐pregnant uterus, fertile period). The ER and PR expression was studied by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence on either myocytes or interstitial Cajal‐like cells (ICLC). Only those cells double immunostained for c‐kit and steroid receptors were considered as ICLC. ER and/or PR immunoreactivity was localized in ICLC, primarily concentrated at the nucleus level, but it was also observed in the cell body (cytoplasm) and processes. Stronger immunopositive reaction in the ICLC nucleus for PR than for ER was noted. Under our experimental conditions, a clear positive repeatable reaction for steroid receptors could not be detected in myocytes. In conclusion, these data suggest that ICLC could be true hormonal ‘sensors’, possibly participating in the regulation of human myometrial contractions ( via gap junctions with myocytes and/or by paracrine signaling).