No abstract

Our previous studies have observed an effect of Matrigel, a solubilized basement membrane preparation extracted from the Engelbreth-Holm-Swarm (EHS) mouse sarcoma, on the expression of ion channels in mouse endometrial epithelia; namely the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-dependent Cl(-)channel, and the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). The present study further investigated the effects of Matrigel and its individual components on the functional expression of CFTR and ENaC using the short-circuit current (Isc) technique. The results showed that different components of Matrigel, namely growth factors, laminin and collagen, had differential effects on the functional activity of the two ion channels in murine endometrial epithelium. The information obtained may be useful for designing future in vitro culture models to investigate the functional roles of these ion channels in the endometrium.

The immune system is a defence mechanism that protects the body from infectious pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa and multicellular parasites found in the environment.1) Immune responses are mediated by a variety of cells that originates from the bone marrow and differentiates into specific cell types in primary lymphoid organs. Some cells can be differentiated into white blood cells (WBC), which can circulate into the bloodstream or migrate into specific tissues for homing. The major classes of WBC include: antibody producing B lymphocytes and cytokine-releasing and cytotoxic T lymphocytes, phagocytic monocytes and macrophages, heavily granulated neutrophils, eosinophils and basophils, and other auxillary mast cells, dendritic cells and platelets. Together, these cells form a main part of the immune system of our body against environmental assaults.2)The immune system declines with age, an onset that can occur as early as when an individual reaches sexual maturity. The decline is due to changes in hormone levels 3) and in the immune cells, where cell loss, shift in the proportion of subpopulations, and qualitative cellular changes have all been detected. [4][5][6] Age related immune decline has also been observed in the gastrointestinal-associated mucosa of humans. Older subjects exhibited lower levels of IL-2 secretion and IgA antibody production in response to stimuli, and showed slower cell proliferation and differentiation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lamina propria lymphocytes than those of younger subjects. 7,8) Moreover, individuals with less efficient immune systems have been observed to have greater chance to bacterial infections. 9,10) Although the links between sex hormones, such as estrogen (E 2 ), and immune status in aging has not been firmly established, there is evidence showing a correlation between reduced hormone levels in post-menopausal women associated with increased risk of pathological and malignant diseases, such as higher blood pressure and cholesterol, osteoporosis, cardiovascular diseases, endometrial cancers and Alzheimer's diseases. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Recent findings from women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) suggest preservation or improvement of immune function associated with HRT by regulating the release of cytokines and cytokine secreting cells. 16,17) In premenopausal women, there were high numbers of cytokine-releasing cells, whereas in post-menopausal women, there was a reduction in number of cytokines-secreting cells. Women receiving HRT, on the other hand, produced higher lymphocyte proliferation than untreated controls and showed slower signs to the development of post-menopausal symptoms. 11,16,17) These findings suggest that HRT with E 2 prevents post-menopausal women from an aberration of immune system by regulating cytokine genes and growth hormones and improving the balance of T-lymphocytes immune reactions. 12,18,19) Bak Foong Pills (BFP, also known as Bai Feng Wan), is a traditional Chinese medicine composed of...