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. 1993 Aug;143(2):480–486.

Expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and its mRNA in the endometrial mucosa during the menstrual cycle.

M M Philippeaux 1, P F Piguet 1
PMCID: PMC1887012  PMID: 8342597

Abstract

Endometrial biopsies, collected at various phases of the menstrual cycle, were examined for the presence of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) by histochemistry, and TNF-alpha mRNA by in situ hybridization and Northern blotting. During the proliferative phase, TNF-alpha and TNF-alpha mRNA were not detected or were at low levels. During the secretory phase, the TNF-alpha mRNA level was increased and observed in the wall of coiled arteries. TNF-alpha was detected both in the wall of the coiled arteries and, in highest concentration, within the epithelial cells. In regard to the capacity of TNF-alpha to induce a hemorrhagic necrosis in various tissues, this study suggests that an overproduction of TNF-alpha within the small arteries of the endometrial mucosa might be responsible for menstruation.

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Selected References

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