Herr D, Fraser HM, Konrad R, Holzheu I, Kreienberg R, Wulff C. Human chorionic gonadotropin controls luteal vascular permeability via vascular endothelial growth factor by down-regulation of a cascade of adhesion proteins.
Fertil Steril 2013;
99:1749-58. [PMID:
23465821 DOI:
10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.01.120]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 01/07/2013] [Accepted: 01/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To study the functional interactions of junctional proteins acting as regulators of vascular permeability in the human corpus luteum. We investigated the role of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, nectin 2, and claudin 5 as controllers of vascular endothelial cell permeability.
DESIGN
Performing immunohistochemical dual staining, we colocalized the above-mentioned proteins in the human corpus luteum.
SETTING
Not applicable.
PATIENT(S)
Not applicable.
INTERVENTION(S)
Not applicable.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Using a granulosa-endothelial coculture system, we revealed that hCG-treatment down-regulates VE-cadherin, nectin 2, and claudin 5 in endothelial cells via vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA).
RESULT(S)
Furthermore, the interaction of VE-cadherin, nectin 2, and claudin 5 was investigated by silencing these proteins that perform siRNA knockdown. Interestingly, knockdown of VE-cadherin and claudin 5 induced a decrease of the respective other protein. This down-regulation was associated with changed rates of vascular permeability: hCG induced a VEGFA-dependent down-regulation of VE-cadherin, nectin 2, and claudin 5, which increased the endothelial permeability in the coculture system. Furthermore, knockdown of VE-cadherin, nectin-2, and claudin 5 also resulted in a consecutive increase of endothelial permeability for each different protein.
CONCLUSION(S)
These results demonstrate for the first time that VE-cadherin, nectin 2, and claudin 5 are involved in the regulation of vascular permeability in a mutually interacting manner, which indicates their prominent role for the functionality of the human corpus luteum.
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