Estradiol stimulates the secretion of prostacyclin and thromboxane from endometrial stromal cells in culture.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the production of the vasoactive prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclin, and thromboxane (TX) in endometrial stromal cell cultures and their steroid modulation by sex steroids.

DESIGN

Primary stromal cell cultures with steroid modulation in tissues from the follicular and luteal phases of normal women.

SETTING

Laboratories of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and tissues obtained from normal patients at the Los Angeles County and University of Southern California Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

MEASURES

Stromal cell tissue culture for 14 days. Radioimmunoassay of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, TXB2, and prolactin (PRL) as well as determination of protein content.

RESULTS

Estradiol stimulated 6-keto-PGF1 alpha production more than TXB2. This effect occurred after day 6 and was as much as 10-fold greater in luteal phase tissue. The effect was eliminated by progestins that alone had no effect. This modulatory response was greater in luteal endometrial tissue than in follicular phase tissue. As expected, in these tissues progestin stimulated PRL, an effect opposite to its negative influence on the vasoactive PGs.

CONCLUSION

These data provide evidence for a steroid-related influence on the balance of vasoactive PGs in the stroma of the endometrium.