Bombesin and gastrin-releasing peptide stimulate electrogenic ion transport in cultured human endometrial epithelial cell layers.

Electrogenic ion transport across human endometrial epithelial cells grown as polarized monolayers on permeable supports was measured as an inward short-circuit current (Isc; 16.2 +/- 1.1 microA/cm2). Bombesin (10(-7) M) and human gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP; 10(-7) M) caused transient enhancement of this Isc. These effects were largely restricted to the basolateral surface of the cells; responses to apical peptide were modest in comparison with those to basolateral peptide. GRP and other bombesin-related peptides may have a role in regulation of endometrial epithelial ion transport in vivo and thereby influence the intra-uterine environment.