Endometrial epithelial cell expression of estrogen receptor isoforms alpha and beta alters attachment to peritoneal mesothelial cells

Abstract

Sampson’s theory suggests that endometrial cells transported retrograde through the fallopian tubes implant on peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) to initiate the development of the early endometriotic lesions. Our previous studies have shown that estradiol (E2) increases the attachment of EECs to PMCs. Here, we assess the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) isoforms α and β in menstrual endometrial epithelial cells (EEC) and the effects of ER α and β antagonists on EEC attachment to PMCs.