Vascular endothelial growth factor induces growth of uterine cervix and immune cell recruitment in mice.

Siobhan M Donnelly, Bao Tran Nguyen, Scott Rhyne, Jordan Estes, Subrina Jesmin, Chishimba Nathan Mowa

Department of Biology, Appalachian State University, Rankin Science North Building N219, 572 River Street, Boone, North Carolina 28608, USA.

The Journal of endocrinology 2013 Apr

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Knowledge of uterine cervical epithelial biology and factors that influence its events may be critical in understanding the process of cervical remodeling (CR). Here, we examine the impact of exogenous vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on uterine cervical epithelial growth in mice (nonpregnant and pregnant) treated with VEGF agents (recombinant and inhibitor) using a variety of morphological and molecular techniques. Exogenous VEGF altered various uterine cervical epithelial cellular events, including marked induction of growth, edema, increase in inter-epithelial paracellular space, and recruitment of immune cells to the outer surface of epithelial cells (cervical lumen). We conclude that VEGF induces multiple alterations in the uterine cervical epithelial tissues that may play a role in local immune surveillance and uterine cervical growth during CR.

Citation

Siobhan M Donnelly, Bao Tran Nguyen, Scott Rhyne, Jordan Estes, Subrina Jesmin, Chishimba Nathan Mowa. Vascular endothelial growth factor induces growth of uterine cervix and immune cell recruitment in mice. The Journal of endocrinology. 2013 Apr;217(1):83-94