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Reproduction (2004) 128 249-255
DOI: 10.1530/rep.1.00156
Copyright © 2004 Society for Reproduction and Fertility
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RESEARCH

Production and localization of activins and activin type IIA and IIB receptors by the human endosalpinx

B A Refaat, A O Bahathiq, S Sockanathan, R L Stewart1, M Wells1 and W L Ledger

Section of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, University of Sheffield, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK and 1 Division of Genomic Medicine, Section of Oncology and Pathology, University of Sheffield Medical School, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK

Correspondence should be addressed to W L Ledger; Email: W.Ledger{at}Sheffield.ac.uk

Fallopian tubes from ten premenopausal women were collected and examined for the presence of inhibin, activin and its type IIA and IIB receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) in the endosalpinx. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated clear staining for the ßA, ßB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB that increased in intensity from the isthmus to the ampulla. No staining for the {alpha} subunit was observed. Whilst the staining of the ßA subunit and ActRIIA was seen in almost every epithelial cell, staining for the ßB subunit and ActRIIB was more variable. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for the ßA, ßB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB. These results indicated that the epithelium of the uterine tube is able to synthesize activin but not inhibin and has receptors for activin. Activins may thus act as paracrine regulators of tubal epithelial cell function, and embryonic activity may also bind to epithelial receptor and initiate intracellular processes that alter epithelial cell secretions.




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