A de-novo synthesis of transforming growth factor (TGF-b) by human endometrial cell line (ECC-1)

Abstract

It is uncertain if the epithelial cells in culture, especially endometrial cells can constitutively produce TGF-b with and without endocrine stimulation. TGF-b is an important cytokine, which has biological effects that are not yet fully characterized. In this study, we cultured a human endometrial cell-line (ECC-1) and evaluated their capacity to synthesize TGF-b in the absence of normal stimulation. We found that these cells can produce determinable levels of the cytokine constitutively. The secretion of the cytokine into the luminal side of the endometrium further suggests a functional polarity as in the stromal and endometrial cells under hormonal influence in the normal female sexual cycle.


Key Words: TGF-b, Endometrial culture cells.


Journal of Biomedical Investigation Vol.1 2003: 24-27