TRANSFORMING GROWTH FACTOR-BETA(1) IN THE HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM

Transforming growth factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) is a polypeptide invo lved in a variety of important physiological and pathophysiological pr ocesses such as the implantation of tile embryo into the endometrium. Many factors seem to be related to this event. TGF-beta(1) is involved in many mechanisms both in endometrial and in embryonic tissues: it i nduces proliferation and differentiation, it regulates Proteolytic act ivity and it modulates the maternal immune response. This study evalua ted the presence of TGF-beta(1) in the endometrium during normal menst rual cycles and in the uterine fluids during induction of ovulation in the framework of an in vitro fertilization program. Immunohistochemis try was used to identify TGF-beta(1) in the endometrium and immunodot- blot to quantitate TGF-beta(1) in the uterine cavity fluid. The study shows that TGF-beta(1) is present in the endometrial tissue anti its s ecretion is modulated during the menstrual cycle, as demonstrated immu nohistochemically; its production seems to be controlled by ovarian st eroids. In conclusion, TCF-beta(1) influences the growth and different iation of the embryo, as well as the activation of embryonic proteolyt ic enzymes, and it modulates the maternal-embryonic immune response. I ts variability in the uterine cavity is demonstrated in this study, an d the underexpression of TGF-beta(1) in the uterine cavity might be re sponsible for failed implantation.