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Attenuated Tubal and Endometrial Urocortin 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Expression in Ectopic Pregnancy

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Abstract

Fallopian tube (FT) and endometrial urocortin 1 (Ucn1) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-receptor (CRH-R1/CRH-R2) expression were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry in nonpregnant and pregnant women (intrauterine, IUP; ectopic pregnancy, EP). Tubal Ucn1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was higher in luteal compared to follicular phase (P <.01) and equivalent to follicular phase in FT from EP. Tubal CRH-R1/CRH-R2 mRNA was lower in luteal phase (P <.05) and in FT from EP compared to follicular phase (P <.01). Ucn1 mRNA was lower in endometrium from EP compared to IUP (P <.05). Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 mRNA was higher in endometrium from EP compared to viable IUP (P <.05). No differences were observed in CRH-R2 expression. Corticotropin-releasing hormone-R1 protein was primarily localized to epithelium of FT and endometrium. Quantitative analysis of tubal CRH-R1 protein expression reflected that seen at the mRNA level but endometrial expression was equivocal. The demonstration of attenuated tubal/endometrial Ucn1/CRH-R expression in EP further supports a role of the CRH-family in embryo implantation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    L. E. Borges MD & F. Petraglia MD

  2. Centre for Reproductive Biology, University of Edinburgh, Queen’s Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK

    A. W. Horne MB, ChB, PhD, S. E. McDonald PhD, J. L. V. Shaw PhD, P. C. Lourenco MSc & Hilary O. D. Critchley MD

Authors
  1. L. E. Borges MD
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  2. A. W. Horne MB, ChB, PhD
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  3. S. E. McDonald PhD
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  4. J. L. V. Shaw PhD
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  5. P. C. Lourenco MSc
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  6. F. Petraglia MD
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  7. Hilary O. D. Critchley MD
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Correspondence to Hilary O. D. Critchley MD.

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Borges, L.E., Horne, A.W., McDonald, S.E. et al. Attenuated Tubal and Endometrial Urocortin 1 and Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor Expression in Ectopic Pregnancy. Reprod. Sci. 18, 261–268 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1177/1933719110385132

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