Gene expression of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase in the human endometrium and decidua

To clarify the biological significance of double-stranded RNA-dependent pro tein kinase (PKR), an interferon (INF)-inducible substance, we investigated (1) PKR gene expression and the (2) effect of IFN-gamma on PKR gene expres sion in human endometrium. By Northern blot analysis, PKR mRNA was detected as a 2.5 kb band in human endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle and d ecidua in early pregnancy. The addition of IFN-gamma to culture medium incr eased the PKR mRNA level in a dose-dependent manner in cultured endometrial stromal cells. These results suggest that IFN-gamma, which is reported to have an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation, plays an important role in human endometrial: function by mediating PKR gene expression. (C) 1999 Els evier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.