Novel Three Dimensional Human Endocervix Cultures respond to 28-day hormone treatment.

Novel Three Dimensional Human Endocervix Cultures respond to 28-day hormone treatment.

Endocrinology. 2015 Jan 30;:en20141840

Authors: Arslan SY, Yu Y, Burdette JE, Pavone ME, Hope TJ, Woodruff TK, Kim JJ

Abstract

The endocervix has both anatomical and biological functions that participate in the delicate balance between tolerance necessary for conception and protection from pathogens. Our goal was to develop a robust three-dimensional (3D) endocervix model that was a reliable representation of the in vivo tissues and to identify the physiological responses to changing levels of steroid hormones during a 28-day time period. Human endocervical cells were grown on polystyrene scaffolds and the morphologic and hormonal responses of cultured cells were assessed in response to fluctuating levels of estradiol (E2) or progesterone (P4). Morphologically, the 3D cultures were composed of a mixed population of cells including epithelial and stromal cells. Treatment with E2 and P4 (day-28) increased cell growth and proliferation as compared to no treatment control. Cells expressed estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) and produced both neutral and acidic mucins, including MUC16. In addition, a 45-plex Luminex assay identified numerous factors secreted and regulated by hormones. Specifically, Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) significantly decreased in the presence of E2 and P4 as compared to the no hormone control at day-26. Co-treatment with RU486 attenuated the inhibition of IL-1β and LIF secretion. In summary, a robust, novel 3D endocervical culture was developed and physiologic responses to the menstrual cycle mimic of estradiol and progesterone levels for a period of 28 days were identified.

PMID: 25635622 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]