Estrogen does not induce the calcium-dependent nitric oxide synthase in cultured human uterine endothelial and myometrial smooth muscle cells

In many tissues, estrogen-induced vasodilatation is mediated, at least in part, by the release of nitric oxide (NO). We determined whether human myometrial endothelial and smooth muscle cells express estrogen receptors (ERs) and whether endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) expression in these cells was affected by 17 beta-estradiol (10(-13)-10(-6) M). ER was strongly expressed in myometrial smooth muscle cells but was absent from endothelial cells. Expression of eNOS mRNA was strong in endothelial cells, but weak in muscle cells. 17 beta-estradiol, administration for 24 or 72 h failed to increase eNOS in both cell types. Thus, an increase of human uterine blood flow by estrogens appears not to be mediated by stimulation of myometrial eNOS expression.