Variable localization of Toll-like receptors in human fallopian tube epithelial cells / 대한생식의학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine the localization, expression, and function of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in fallopian tube epithelial cells. METHODS: The localization of TLRs in fallopian tube epithelial cells was investigated by immunostaining. Surprisingly, the intensity of staining was not equal in the secretory and ciliated cells. After primary cell culture of fallopian tube epithelial cells, ring cloning was used to isolate colonies of ciliated epithelial cells, distinct from non-ciliated epithelial cells. The expression of TLRs 1–10 was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein localization was confirmed by immunostaining. The function of the TLRs was determined by interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production in response to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 ligands. RESULTS: Fallopian tube epithelial cells expressed TLRs 1–10 in a cell-type-specific manner. Exposing fallopian tube epithelial cells to TLR2, TLR3, TLR5, TLR7, and TLR9 agonists induced the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-8. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that TLR expression in the fallopian tubes is cell-type-specific. According to our results, ciliated cells may play more effective role than non-ciliated cells in the innate immune defense of the fallopian tubes, and in interactions with gametes and embryos.

Expression of Toll-like receptors 7-10 in human fallopian tubes

The human female reproductive tract [FRT] is constantly deal with the invading pathogens. Recognition of these pathogens is attributed to the family of Toll like receptors [TLR] as a major part of the innate immune system. We and others have previously revealed that TLRs1-6 express in the female reproductive tract. However, more studies should be done to detect TLRs 7-10 in the female reproductive tract, especially in the fallopian tubes. To examine the expression of TLRs7-10 in human fallopian tube tissue. Using immunostaining techniques, distribution of TLR7-10 was studied in surgical sections from the uterine tubes, obtained from patients undergoing tubal ligation and hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions. RT-PCR was used to show the existence of TLR7-10 genes in fallopian tube tissue. TLR7-10 proteins were detected in the fallopian tube epithelium, although the intensity of staining was not equal in cases. TLR7-10 genes were expressed in human fallopian tube tissue. This study indicates that TLR7-10 is expressed in fallopian tubes tissues, and may play an important role in microbial recognition, and in host defense against ascending infection