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Type 2 11β‐Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Activity in Human Fallopian Tube and Correlation of Enzyme Levels with Endometrial Histopathology
Author(s) -
MuneyyirciDelale Ozgul,
Nacharaju Vijaya L.,
Kessel Allan,
Yang Lianfu,
Jalou Sanaa,
Dalloul Nezar,
Rahman Monzila,
Bowers Charles H.,
Abulafia Ovadia
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2005.00292.x
Subject(s) - fallopian tube , endometrium , endocrinology , medicine , cortisone , glucocorticoid , enzyme assay , enzyme , histology , biology , histopathology , andrology , pathology , anatomy , biochemistry
Problem The inter‐conversion of hormonally active cortisol and inactive cortisone is catalyzed by 11 β ‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11 β ‐HSD). This conversion controls the level of active glucocorticoid concentration in tissues. As the fallopian tube plays a major role in the process of fertilization, we wanted to investigate whether 11 β ‐HSD is present in the human fallopian tube to control the glucocorticoid levels as in other tissues. Method of study Isthmic, ampullary and fimbrial portions of the fallopian tube are obtained from patients undergoing hysterectomy and salpingo‐oopherectomy for symptomatic leomyomata uteri. 11 β ‐HSD activities were measured in the homogenates of the tube, cortisol as the steroid substrate. The enzyme activity was expressed as nanomolar cortisone formed per minute per gram of tissue (mean ± S.D.). Results A significant level of 11 β ‐HSD activity in oxidation direction was found in all three parts of the tube. There is no significant difference in the distribution of the enzyme activity throughout the tube. When tubal 11 β ‐HSD activity was compared with endometrial histology, the enzyme activity is significantly lower in proliferative endometrium when compared with secretory endometrium ( P = 0.002). The enzyme activity in inactive endometrium is significantly higher than the active endometrium ( P = 0.05). Conclusion The presence of 11 β ‐HSD throughout the fallopian tube and its correlation to endometrial histology is indicative of its probable role in controlling the glucocorticoid levels in the tissue, which in turn may influence the fertilization process.