Abstract
We previously observed a peak in parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) mRNA expression in preterm rat myometrium and found that this peak was dependent on intrauterine occupancy. We explored the possibility that mechanotransduction might control PTHrP gene expression in the uterus. This was done by developing an intrauterine balloon system that allowed us to reproduce experimentally the mechanical effects of the fetal pup in utero. An increase in PTHrP mRNA in the unoccupied horn of a unilaterally pregnant rat could be elicited as rapidly as 1 h after balloon inflation and was maintained for up to 72 h. The same response was seen in uterine horns from virgin animals and could be reproduced by three different methods of imposing a physical stretch. Balloon-induced stretch also increased mRNA expression in a muscle bath system in vitro. Mechanotransduction appears to be largely, if not entirely, responsible for the preterm peak in PTHrP mRNA expression.
Highlights
From the $Endocrine Division, Department of Internal peptide did not appear to reach the systemic circulation, being
In animals in which unilateral pregnancy was produced by tubal ligation, the PTHrPmRNA peak was confined to the pregnant horn, demonstrating that parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP)
We previously observed a peak in parathyroid hormone-relatedpeptide(PTHrP) mRNA expressionin preterm rat myometrium and found tthhaits peak was dependent on intrauterine occupancyW. e explored the possibility thatmechanotransductionmightcontrol PTHrP gene expression in the uterus
Summary
for Physicians. To whom correspondence should be addressed: Div. of Endocrinology, Fitkin I, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St., New Haven, CT 06510. Tel.: 203-785-5455; Fax: 203-7856015. The abbreviations used are: PTHrP, parathyroid hormone-related peptide; PTH, parathyroid hormone; bp, base pair(s); TGF-P, trans- In order to examine the possibility that mechanotransduction might regulate PTHrP mRNA expression in the myometrium, we fashioned an intrauterineballoon system, which allowed us to experimentally reproduce the stretch imposed on the uterine wall bythe fetoplacental unit in late pregnancy forming growth factor-& This is an Open Access article under the CC BY license.
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