Authors: Ajonuma, Louis Chukwuemeka¹; Ng, Ernest Hung Yu²; Chow, Pak Ham³; Hung, Cathy Yui³; Tsang, Lai Ling¹; Cheung, Annie Nga Yin⁴; Brito-Jones, Christine⁵; Lok, Ingrid Hung⁵; J.Haines, Christopher⁵; Chan, Hsiao Chang¹

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 20, Number 5, May 2005 , pp. 1228-1234(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Hydrosalpinx (HSP), characterized by abnormal fluid accumulation in the Fallopian tube, is one of the main causes of infertility in women; however, the mechanism underlying the formation of hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) remains elusive. The present study investigated the possible involvement of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-dependent chloride channel, in the pathogenesis of hydrosalpinx. METHODS: Masson's trichrome staining was used to characterize epithelial transformation in human HSP; RT–PCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining were used for CFTR expression and localization. RESULTS: Masson's trichrome staining showed areas of epithelial transformation, focally attenuated and pseudostratified. Immunostaining showed enhanced CFTR immunoreactivity in the focally attenuated and pseudostratified areas of HSP epithelium. RT–PCR revealed that CFTR expression in HSP was significantly greater than that in normal Fallopian tubes. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that HSP epithelium undergoes epithelial transformation with elevated CFTR expression, which may lead to increased transepithelial electrolyte and fluid secretion resulting in HF formation. The present findings may lead to the development of new treatment strategies for infertile patients with HSP.

Keywords: CFTR; female reproductive tract; hydrosalpinx; hydrosalpinx fluid; infertility

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deh773

Affiliations: 1: Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, 2: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 3: Department of Anatomy and 4: Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, and 5: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, SAR, China

Publication date: 2005-05-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Ajonuma, Louis Chukwuemeka ;  Ng, Ernest Hung Yu ;  Chow, Pak Ham ;  Hung, Cathy Yui ;  Tsang, Lai Ling ;  Cheung, Annie Nga Yin ;  Brito-Jones, Christine ;  Lok, Ingrid Hung ;  J.Haines, Christopher ;  Chan, Hsiao Chang

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