Decreases in adrenomedullin expression and ciliary beat frequency in the nasal epithelium in tubal pregnancy

Objective: To study adrenomedullin (ADM) expression and its relation to ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in the nasal mucociliated epithelium in tubal ectopic pregnancy (tEP). Design: Experimental study. Setting: University teaching hospital. Patient(s): Women with tEP and normal intrauterine pregnancy matched for age and gestational age were recruited. Healthy nonpregnant women were also recruited as nonpregnant controls. Intervention(s): Nasal epithelial brushing. Main Outcome Measure(s): Adrenomedullin expression in nasal epithelium (measured by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, plasma ADM concentration (measured by ELISA), and CBF (measured by photometric method). Result(s): We have demonstrated a similar decrease in ADM expression and CBF in the nasal mucociliated epithelium, as well as in plasma ADM concentration, in women with tEP compared with normal pregnant women. Adrenomedullin up-regulates nasal CBF via the ADM receptor, as in the oviduct. There is significant correlation between nasal and oviductal CBF. Conclusion(s): Nasal epithelium ADM and CBF, as well as plasma ADM, are possible predictors of women at risk of tEP. (c) 2013 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)