Significance of the Study

To know if melanocortin receptors are present in the human endometrium and what are its significance in it.

Results

MCR1-5 are expressed in endometrium to varying degrees, with MC2R, MC3R and MC5R being the most abundant and the majority of expression being observed in glandular epithelium.

Design of Study

Endometrial biopsies were taken from hysterectomy specimens in control women without endometrial pathology (n = 4 for each of proliferative and late-secretory phases). Biopsies were formalin fixed and embedded in paraffin wax. Decidual samples (n = 7) were cultured in a range of concentrations of synthetic ACTH for 3 days before being formalin fixed and embedded in paraffin wax

Main Results

All five melanocortin receptors were shown to be immunolocalised to the endometrium, with MC5R, MC2R and MC3R being the most abundant and limited immunostaining being observed for MC1R and MC4R. Treatment of decidual biopsies with synthetic adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) resulted in loss of vascular integrity.

Source:
http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/con...ev188.abstract

I think that further studies are needed to fully know the importance of melanocortin receptors in the endometrium and how hormones can help in certain conditions affecting it.