ALTERATION OF E-CADHERIN, ALPHA-CATENIN AND BETA-CATENIN MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION IN HUMAN UTERINE ENDOMETRIUM DURING THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE

To study the biological functions of the adherens junction in uterine endometrium at the reproductive phase, we measured the levels of E-cad herin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA in endometrium with or without an intramuscular injection of estradiol dipropionate in patients 5 days b efore hysterectomy. The levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA in endometria of the proliferative phase were significantly less than those of the secretory phase. The treatment with estradiol diprop ionate significantly reduced the levels of alpha- and beta-catenin mRN A in endometria of the secretory phase, and tended to reduce that of E -cadherin mRNA. In conclusion, the functions of the adherens junction, which regulates the adhesive capacity of endometrial epithelial cells , are considered to be activated after ovulation, and at least in part associated with nidation.