Alteration of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA expression in human uterine endometrium during the menstrual cycle

To study the biological functions of the adherens junction in uterine endometrium at the reproductive phase, we measured the levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA in endometrium with or without an intramuscular injection of estradiol dipropionate in patients 5 days before hysterectomy. The levels of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA in endometria of the proliferative phase were significantly less than those of the secretory phase. The treatment with estradiol dipropionate significantly reduced the levels of alpha- and beta-catenin mRNA in endometria of the secretory phase, and tended to reduce that of E-cadherin mRNA. In conclusion, the functions of the adherens junction, which regulates the adhesive capacity of endometrial epithelial cells, are considered to be activated after ovulation, and at least in part associated with nidation.