Research On The Expression Of MUC1 In The Normal Human Endometrium During The Menstrual Cycle

Objective : To analyze MUC1 mRNA and protein expression in human normal endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle .Method: Immunohistochemistry and image analysis was used to observe and analyze the expression and distribution of MUC1 in the normal endometrium of 35 women.RT-PCR was used to analyze the expression of MUC1 mRNA in the normal endometrium of this 35 women.An image analysis was also performed .Results:MUC1 protein mainly expressed on the top surface of endometrial glandular and luminal epithelium . The levels of MUC1 protein was lower in proliferative phase,while it increased remarkably in secretory phase and reached its peak in Mid secretary phase (P<0.05).,then decreased in the late secretary phase. The level of MUC1 mRNA was lower in preliferative phase, but obvious higher in secretive phase. It was significantly higher in mid-secretive phase,especially during peri-implantation period(P﹤0.05).Conclusions:MUC1 regularly expresses in human normal endometrium throughout the menstrual cycle as a kind of mucin.It probably plays an important role in signal endometrium receptivity and transduction of embryo implantation.