Expression of galectin-3 in human endometrium

Purpose To investigate the possible relationship between the expression of galectin-3 in human endometrium with the formation of uterine receptivity and embryo implantation. Methods Expression of galectin-3 mRNA and protein was evaluated by using RT-PCR and Western blot,and the location of galectin-3 protein was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Results Expression of galectin-3 mRNA and protein in mid-secretory endometrium was much higher than in later-proliferation.galectin-3 protein was mainly located in epithelial and stromal cells. Conclusions Our results suggested that the highly expression of galectin-3 in the mid-secretory human endometrium may associated with the formation of uterine receptivity and embryo implantation.