Assesment of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Fallopian Tube at the Time of Term Pregnancy

Nitric Oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule produced by the NO Synthases (NOS) enzime and is known to incorporate in the regulation of many reproductive events that occur in the Fallopian tube (FT). The aim of this study was to investigate the production of endothelial NOS (eNOS) in the ciliated and secretory cells of luminal epithelium of FT and alteration of eNOS during parturition. In this case-control study a total of 20 FTs samples obtained from two groups of women including: 10 FTs from the women at luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and 10 FTs of healthy pregnant women during parturition. Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and paraffin sectioned for immunohistochemical evaluation. Localization of eNOS in the ciliated and secretory cells of luminal epithelium of FT was seen in both groups. However، we did not found anyexpression of eNOS in smooth muscle cells of all groups (p>0. 05). No significant difference in expression of eNOS was seen between luteal phase and healthy pregnant groups. Regarding the no significant differences in expression of eNOS in ciliated and secretory cells of luminal epithelium between pregnant women at term and women at luteal phase of menstrual cycle، the results suggested that activity and function of cilia in both groups are same.