THE ACTIONS OF ESTRADIOL AND EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR IN ENDOMETRIAL AND ENDOMETRIOTIC STROMA IN-VITRO

Objectives: To compare the effects of E(2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on DNA and protein synthesis in endometrial and endometriotic s tromal cell culture. Design: Measurement of DNA and protein synthesis in cell cultures by trichloroacetic acid precipitation of radioactivel y labeled macromolecules. Setting: Tissue samples collected in operati ng theaters were processed in the cell culture laboratory. Patients: S amples of endometrium and endometriosis were collected synchronously a t laparotomy. Interventions: Stromal cells were isolated from tissue s amples. Cultures of endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells were t reated with 0.272 ng/mL (1 nmol/L) E(2) or 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF. Main Outcome Measures: H-3-Thymidine and H-3-leucine incorporation wer e used to assess DNA and protein synthesis respectively in cell cultur es. Results: There was no response to 0.272 ng/mL (1 nmol/L) E(2) with respect to DNA or protein synthesis in either endometrial or endometr iotic stromal cells, whereas 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF significantly s timulated DNA and protein synthesis in both cell types. The effect of EGF was significantly greater in endometrial stroma than in endometrio tic stroma. Conclusions: There are differences in the stimulation of H -3-thymidine incorporation by 10 ng/mL (1.6 nmol/L) EGF in endometrial and endometriotic stromal cells in vitro.