Co-localization of oestrogen receptor beta and leukocyte markers in the human cervix

Cervical ripening during parturition is associated with rapid production of catabolic enzymes by invading leukocytes and increased collagen metabolism . The recruitment of leukocytes is regulated by various factors including i nflammatory mediators, prostaglandins and matrix metalloproteinases. Sex st eroids may be indirectly or directly involved in this process. This study a imed to evaluate the expression of oestrogen receptor beta (ERP) in blood c ells infiltrating the cervix during pregnancy and parturition. Cervical bio psies were obtained from term pregnant, postpartal and non-pregnant women. The ERP protein and leukocyte markers CD45 and CD68 were evaluated by singl e and double labelling immunohistochemistry. Quantitative values were asses sed using a microscope and a high-resolution camera connected to a computer with image analysis program. The number of CD45(+) and CD68(+) cells in th e cervix increased in term pregnancy and post-partum. compared with the non -pregnant state. The ERP antigen was co-localized with CD45 leukocyte commo n antigen and CD68 macrophage specific antigen in blood leukocytes infiltra ting the cervical tissue. The presence of ERP in the cervical leukocytes su ggests that oestrogen may directly regulate leukocyte functions in the cerv ix.