Expression of RANTES mRNA and protein in ectopic and autologous eutopic endometrium

Objective To explore the difference of RANTES expression in stromal cells of ectopic, autologous eutopic and normal endometrium induced by IL-1β. Methods The stromal cell of ectopic implants was exposed to various concentrations (5、10、20μg/L )of IL-1β and the 10μg/L of IL-1β was cocultured with ectopic implants, eutopic and normal endometrium. RANTES mRNA in the cells was detected with RT-PCR and concentration of RANTES protein in the culture supernatant was measured with a sandwish ELISA. Results The 10 μg/L of IL-1β elicited the highest secretion of RANTES in ectopic implants. The RANTES expressed by the stromal cell of ectopic implants was increased significantly compared with autologous eutopic and normal endometrium. The RANTES secreted by the stromal cell of autologous eutopic endometrium was increased significantly compared with normal endometrium. Conclusion Our findings confirm that the different expressions of RANTES mRNA and protein exist among ectopic, autologous eutopic and normal endometrium. The ectopic endometrial stromal cells may contribute to the high secretion of RANTES in the pelvic fluid of women with endometriosis.