Endocrine Abstracts

Context: Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and its constructed protein Connexin (Cx) participates in cell apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Our clinical studies demonstrated that a levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing intrauterine system can reverse atypical endometrial hyperplasia.

Objective: This study assesses whether LNG exerts anti-proliferation effects on human endometrial cells through changes in the GJIC function and Cx43 expression.

Methods: The cell proliferation and apoptosis of human endometrial stromal cells (HESCs) and glandular cells (HEGCs) treated with LNG in a dose- and time-dependent manner. GJIC change and further total along with serine 368 and 255 phosphorylated Cx43 were measured.

Results: In all, 5×10⁻⁵ mol/l LNG revealed a time-dependent inhibition of cell proliferation and an increase of apoptosis in both HESCs and HEGCs. Furthermore, these cells demonstrated a significant GJIC enhancement upon treatment with 5×10⁻⁵ mol/l for 48 h. The effects of LNG were most noticeable in HESCs rather than in HEGCs. Associated with these changes, LNG induced a relative increase in total Cx43 in a time-dependent manner but not Ser368 phosphorylated Cx43, which was measured in HESCs using western blot analysis. Furthermore, laser scanning confocal microscope confirmed the increased expression of total Cx43 in the cytoplasm and, interestingly, detected the nuclear translocation of Ser255 phosphorylated Cx43.

Conclusions: LNG likely inhibits the proliferation and promotes apoptosis in HESCs and HEGCs though an increase in gap junction permeability in vitro, which is achieved through the upregulation of Cx43 expression and the translocation of serine 255 phosphorylated Cx43 from the plasma to the nuclear compartment.