The Expression of c-Src and Csk in the Human Endometrium During the Normal Menstrual Cycle.

Jeong, Dong Ki; Lee, Sung Ki; Kim, Kyung Jin; Jang, Byeung Woo; Han, Chung Hee; Lee, Ji Young; Kim, Sung Tae; Kim, Yoon Mi

Original Article

Korean Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology 2003;46(9):1707-1713.
Published online September 1, 2003.

The Expression of c-Src and Csk in the Human Endometrium During the Normal Menstrual Cycle.

Dong Ki Jeong, Sung Ki Lee, Kyung Jin Kim, Byeung Woo Jang, Chung Hee Han, Ji Young Lee, Sung Tae Kim, Yoon Mi Kim

¹Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea.
²Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea.
³Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Daejeon, Korea.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the transcriptional expression and translational localization of c-Src and Csk, related to signal transduction of cell growth, differentiation, death, and DNA synthesis in the human endometrium during the normal menstrual cycle. METHODS: The specimens were obtained from the hysterectomized uterus and endometrial biopsies that showed no endometrial pathology. The mRNA level of c-Src and Csk were examined by RT-PCR and the expression of these proteins were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The c-Src mRNA was strongly expressed at all phases, except in late secretory phase. The Csk mRNA was highly expressed at all phases. In stromal cells and glandular cells, immunohistochemical expression of c-Src protein was moderate in proliferative phase and was strong in the secretory phase. The expression of Csk protein was strong at all phases and more intensive in glandular cell than stromal cell. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that c-Src may play an important role in the signaling of the differentiation of the human endometrium and the Csk may modulate the c-Src kinase activity.

Key Words: c-Src, Csk, Endometrium, Menstrual cycle