Author:
Dosiou C,Hamilton A E,Pang Y,Overgaard M T,Tulac S,Dong J,Thomas P,Giudice L C
Abstract
Although there is significant evidence for progesterone's role as an immunomodulator, nuclear progesterone receptors have not been consistently identified in immune cells. Recently, three new putative membrane progesterone receptors (mPRs), mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ have been described. The objective of this study was to examine whether mPRs are expressed in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) in women of reproductive age, and to further characterize them in T lymphocytes and immortalized T cells (Jurkat cells). Transcripts for mPRα and mPRβ but not mPRγ, were detected by RT-PCR in PBLs, T lymphocytes, and Jurkat cells. Western blot analysis showed the presence of the mPRα and mPRβ proteins on cell membranes of T lymphocytes and Jurkat cells. Expression of the mPRα mRNA was upregulated in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in cluster of differentiation (CD)8+, but not in CD4+, T lymphocytes. Radioreceptor assays revealed specific [3H]progesterone binding to T- and Jurkat cell membranes (Kd 4.25 nM) characteristic of steroid membrane receptors. Progesterone activated an inhibitory G-protein (Gi), suggesting that mPRs are coupled to Gi in Jurkat cells. These results suggest a potential novel mechanism for progesterone's immunoregulatory function through activation of mPRs.
Subject
Endocrinology,Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Cited by
165 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献