engleski

Expression of GABA signaling pathway key molecules in mouse and human cervical tissue

Aims Cervical mucus is a glycoprotein gel produced by secretory epithelium of endocervical glands which protects from infection and modulates fertility responding to blood hormone levels. As the GABA signaling pathway regulates mucus production in bronchial goblet cells, we hypothesized an analogous GABA-mediated regulation in endocervical glands. The aim of the study was to examine the expression of GABA A receptor (GABAAR), glutamic acid decarboxylase 65/67 (GAD65/67) and vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT) in human and mouse cervical tissue. Methods This study included 8 CD1 female mice selected according to estrous cycle phase and 23 patients of reproductive age undergoing surgical hysterectomy for benign diagnoses. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to examine GABAAR subunits (α 1-6, β 1-3, γ 1-3, δ, ε, π and θ), GAD65/67, VGAT and estrogen receptor (ERα). Expression was further confirmed by fluorescent immunohistochemistry (f-IHC). Results RT-PCR displayed ERα and GABAAR mRNA in mouse tissue throughout the estrous cycle while f- IHC demonstrated GABAAR exclusively in proestrous. RT-PCR for GAD65/67 and VGAT was positive in human tissue, confirmed by f-IHC. RT-PCR confirmed all but α1 and α6 GABAAR subunits mRNA in human tissue while f-IHC demonstrated a supranuclear localization of GABAAR β2. Conclusions We demonstrated the expression of GABA signaling pathway elements in the secretory epithelium of mouse and human cervical tissue. This is the foundation for further research into the possible role of GABA signaling pathway in regulation of endocervical mucus secretion.

GABA ; mucus ; endocervix

nije evidentirano