CYCLOOXYGENASE GENE-EXPRESSION IN HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM AND DECIDUA

The objective of this study was to determine if genes for cyclooxygena se (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase, key enzymes in the synthesis of eicosanoi ds, are expressed in human endometrium and to determine if the level o f expression is affected by decidualization or preeclampsia, a form of pregnancy-induced hypertension. RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA in tis sues obtained from various patients. Results demonstrated that COX and 5-lipoxygenase genes are expressed in endometrium and decidua. COX ge ne expression in endometrium is 2-3-fold greater than in decidua while 5-lipoxygenase gene expression is similar. Neither COX nor 5-lipooxyg enase gene expression in decidua is altered by changes resulting from preeclampsia. Thus, genes for key enzymes in the synthesis of eicosano ids are expressed in human endometrium and decidua. Selective down-reg ulation is evident as decidualization results in a significant reducti on in the gene expression of COX, while 5-lipozygenase gene expression remains unchanged.