Expression of Functional Prolactin Receptors in Nonpregnant Human Endometrium: Janus Kinase-2, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 (STAT1), and STAT5 Proteins Are Phosphorylated after Stimulation with Prolactin

PRL is synthesized by decidualized endometrial stromal cells from the midsecretory phase in a nonconception cycle and throughout pregnancy. The exact role of PRL in the human endometrium remains to be elucidated; however, the pattern of expression supports a role for PRL during implantation and placentation. This study investigated the site and pattern of expression of PRL receptors in the nonpregnant human endometrium. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry localized expression of the receptor in the glandular epithelium and a subset of stromal cells of the endometrium. As judged by the intensity of staining, expression of the receptor was dramatically up-regulated during the secretory phase. Expression of the PRL receptor gene in the endometrium from the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle was confirmed by ribonuclease protection assay using 50 micrograms total ribonucleic acid. Phosphorylation of Janus kinase-2 (JAK2), STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription-1), and STAT5 proteins in response to PRL was investigated to establish the signaling pathway of PRL in the human endometrium. Endometrial tissue was collected during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle and incubated in the presence of 100 ng/mL human PRL for 0, 5, 10, and 20 min. JAK2 phosphorylation was induced by PRL at 5 min, whereas STAT1 and STAT5 phosphorylation was apparent 20 min after stimulation with PRL. Immunohistochemistry localized the JAK/STAT proteins in the glandular epithelial cells and a subset of stromal cells, as was observed for the PRL receptor. Secretory phase stromal and glandular cells cultured separately and in the presence or absence of 100 ng/mL PRL confirmed the PRL-induced phosphorylation of JAK2/STAT proteins, at least in the glandular compartment. These studies demonstrate an up-regulation of expression of functional PRL receptors during the secretory phase of the menstrual cycle. Further, decidual PRL through a paracrine mechanism may influence glandular epithelial function/secretions and direct gene transcription through the JAK/STAT pathway. The target genes activated by PRL in the glandular epithelium of the nonpregnant human endometrium remain to be elucidated.