Effects of interferon-gamma on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor by endometrial stromal cells

PROBLEM: The aim of this study was to clarify the physiological effects of interferon (IFN)-gamma on secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) by endometrial stromal (ES) cells. METHOD OF STUDY: ES cells were obtained from human uterine endometrium by e nzymic digestion and filtration. The effects of IFN-gamma on production of VEGF by ES cells were examined by analyzing VEGF mRNA expression with North ern blotting analysis and by assaying VEGF protein. RESULTS: IFN-gamma inhibited VEGF mRNA and protein expression by ES cells i n a dose-dependent manner. In ES cells treated with IFN-gamma, VEGF product ion was not significant until 6 hr of incubation and was significantly affe cted after 6 hr of incubation, but decreased significantly after 12 to 48 h r. IFN-gamma also suppressed VEGF mRNA expression by ES cells. CONCLUSIONS: ES cells produce VEGF, which may contribute to endometrial neo vascularization and proliferation. IFN-gamma may play an important role in regulating VEGF production by ES cells.