MYOMETRIAL TELOCYTE BEHAVIOR IS AFFECTED BY THE HIGH PROGESTERONE AND HIGH ESTROGEN PHASES OF THE FEMALE RAT ESTRUS CYCLE

The recent discovery of telocytes in the mammalian uterus has lead to in-depth study as to the presence of these cells and their function in the myometrium. Immunohistochemical experiments have shown that myometrial telocytes (MTs) possess the c-kit receptor on their cell membranes, significantly differentiating them from fibroblasts.

The purpose of this experiment is to show that by inhibiting the c-kit receptor on the MTs of non-pregnant myometrium during the high estrogen phase and the high progesterone phase of the rat estrus cycle, the magnitude of the contractile force and the frequency of the spontaneous contractions will change, showing that the MTs have a function as electrical pacemakers for spontaneous contractile activity and are hormonally influenced.

High progesterone and high estrogen rats were humanely sacrificed and their uteri extracted. Circular rings were sectioned off, hooked up to isometric force transducers, and placed in muscle organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution (37^oC, pH 7.4). After control spontaneous contractions were obtained, tissue samples were treated with various molarities of imatinib mesylate and observed for activity changes. Data was recorded on LabChart (AD Instruments) and analyzed with statistical software.

Results are expected to show higher contractile activity change during high estrogen phases than high progesterone which will be demonstrated by a significant decrease in the frequency of spontaneous contractile activity and the magnitude of the isometric force produced.

In conclusion, the results will show that MTs are affected hormonally and play an important role in spontaneous contractile activity of the uterus.