The effects of estrogen, progesterone and polypropylene mesh on vaginal smooth muscle cell proliferation

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects of estrogen, progesterone and polypropylene mesh on vaginal smooth muscle cell proliferation. METHODS: Primary smooth muscle cell (SMC) cultures were performed from vaginal biopsies which were then incubated with estradiol (0.1 microM, 1 microM, 10 microM), progesterone (5 nM, 50 nM, 0.5 microM), or polypropylene mesh to assess cell proliferation. RESULTS: In vitro vaginal SMC proliferation was significantly increased by estradiol but not by progesterone or by polypropylene mesh (relative cell number, mean +/- SD, control vs. estrogen 0.24 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.02, P=0.01; control vs. progesterone 0.24 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.23 +/- 0.02, P=NS and control vs. mesh, 0.24 +/- 0.02 vs. 0.24 +/- 0.01, P=NS). In addition, estradiol increased cell proliferation in a dose responsive fashion (estradiol dose: 0.1 microM, 1 microM, 10 microM) compared to control (P=0.01). CONCLUSION: Vaginal SMC proliferation is significantly increased by estrogen.