Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, the SARS-CoV-2 cellular receptor, is widely expressed in human myometrium and uterine leiomyoma.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Angiotensin-converting-enzyme 2 (ACE2), the cell surface receptor for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is found in a variety of reproductive tissues. The present study evaluated whether uterine fibroids and normal myometrium express ACE2 and, if so, at which tissue compartments.

Methods

We included 13 premenopausal women (age range 33-50 years, median 40 years) with uterine fibroids undergoing elective hysterectomy or myomectomy. Samples of leiomyoma (n = 12) and normal myometrial tissue (n = 8) were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for protein localization or by real time PCR for mRNA detection.

Results

In normal myometrium, ACE2 immunoreactivity was localized in smooth muscle fibers, arteriolar walls, and endothel

SUBMITTER: Racilan AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8287083 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature