Effects of estrogen and progesterone on expressions of connexin26, connexin32 and connexin43 in nude mice model of endometriosis

Objective:To observe effects of estrogen and progesterone on expressions of connexin26(CX26),connexin32(CX32)and connexin43(CX43)in nude mice model of endometriosis.Methods:Nude mice model of endometriosis was established.Totally 60 nude mice were randomly divided into three groups:estrogen group(group A),progesterone group(group B)and control group(group C).Mice of each group were killed on the 7th,14th,21th,28th d randomly.Expressions of gene and protein(CX26,CX32,CX43)in endometriotic lesions were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively.Results:Expressions of CX32 mRNA and protein were enhanced by estrogen(P=0.000),but suppressed by progesterone.Expressions of CX43 mRNA and protein were strongly suppressed by estrogen(P=0.000).But progesterone had no effect on expressions of CX43 mRNA and protein(P=0.621).Expressions of CX32 mRNA and protein were not detected in any group.Conclusions:①Regulation of CX26 by estrogen and progesterone is opposite.② Expressions of CX32 mRNA and protein are not detected in any group,so their effects on gap junction intercellular communication(GJIC)and endometrial ectopic transplantation are not clear.③Expressions of CX43 mRNA and protein are strongly suppressed by estrogen.But progesterone had no effect on expressions of CX43 mRNA and protein.It is conjectured that estrogen could down regulation CX43,depress the function of GJIC,encourage abnormal cell proliferation and cell differentiation and enhance the ability of endometrial ectopic transplantation.