The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lactoferrin (LF) on the
proliferation of human endometrial stroma cells, In addition, we compared
the effect of LF, oestradiol and epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the proli
feration of human endometrial stroma cells, Human endometrial tissue was ob
tained from patients with a normal menstrual cycle in the proliferative pha
se and the stroma cells were isolated and cultured in vitro. When LF was ad
ded to the culture medium, the rate of cell proliferation increased signifi
cantly in comparison to controls (P < 0.01). The enhanced rate of prolifera
tion induced by LF was neutralized by the addition of anti-LF monoclonal an
tibody. The effect of LF on cell proliferation at a concentration of 100 ng
/ml was similar to that of 10 nmol/l oestradiol, but less than that of 10 m
g/ml EGF. When LF was added in combination with either oestradiol or EGF, n
o additive effects on cell proliferation were observed. Based on the presen
t results, it is suggested that LF has a potential biological effect in the
proliferation of human endometrium.