Role of mast cells in women's health and disorders of the endometrium

During the normal menstrual cycle, the human endometrium undergoes extensive tissue remodelling under the influence of ovarian-derived hormones. The endometrium has well defined stromal and epithelial compartments with the former containing both a well-developed vasculature as well as a diverse population of immune cells. Mast cells (MCs) are long-lived tissue resident immune cells characterised by the presence of granules containing proteases. Mast cells have been detected in the human uterus but little is known about their regulation or the impact of steroids on their differentiation status. Recently MCs have been implicated as key players in physiological and pathological pain pathways but little is known about their role in endometrial pathologies. Endometriosis is a chronic incurable condition characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity: women with endometriosis can suffer from a debilitating range of symptoms including chronic pain. Whilst the aetiology of endometriosis is uncertain, close proximity between MCs and nerves has implicated them in aberrant activation of pain pathways. The aims of the current project were: 1. To determine the spatial and temporal location ... (continues)