Biology of Reproduction, Vol 54, 249-254, Copyright © 1996 by Society for the Study of Reproduction

ARTICLES

Role of eosinophils in uterine responses to estrogen

MC Perez, EE Furth, PD Matzumura and CR Lyttle
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia 19104, USA.

Administration of estradiol (E2) to ovariectomized mice results in a dramatic increase in uterine growth and an influx of eosinophilic leukocytes. This influx is mediated by stimulation of an E2-dependent eosinophilic chemotactic factor in the uterus (ECF-U). The role of this eosinophil infiltration in uterus is presently unknown but could involve early growth and/or remodeling processes. In an attempt to better define eosinophil function in uterine tissue, we produced ovariectomized mice severely depleted of circulating eosinophils by administration of a purified rat IgG monoclonal antibody against interleukin-5 (IL-5). Seven days later, animals were submitted to estradiol treatment. Experimental groups included mice treated with saline alone, saline followed by E2, IgG followed by E2, and anti-IL-5 followed by E2. Pretreatment with IL-5 antibodies led to no significant alteration in E2-induced increase in uterine wet weight. However, histological evaluation demonstrated a clear and almost complete blockade of E2-stimulated influx of eosinophils in anti-IL-5 treated animals. In addition, IL-5 antibody administration significantly reduced E2-induced increase in peroxidase activity. Dramatic reduction of eosinophils did not affect E2 stimulation of ECF-U activity by stromal cells or complement C3 synthesis by the epithelial cells. Thus, it appears that differences in E2 responses in eosinophil-deficient mice are not directly associated with presence or absence of eosinophils. Taken together, these data suggest that eosinophils most likely do not contribute to early growth in the E2-stimulated uterus. A possible role in other events such as remodeling remains to be elucidated.

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