CONTRAGESTION AND TREATING INFLAMMATION BY MODULATING SODIUM CHANNEL ACTIVITY IN THE EPITHELIUM

摘要

This invention is based on the discovery that activation of the endometrial epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) triggers PGE2 release and production, which is required for embryo implantation. This invention provides a system for developing pharmaceuticals that inhibit ENaC activity or decrease ENaC expression (for example, using small molecule drugs or siRNA). These pharmaceuticals can be used for birth control or contragestion, or to treat inflammatory conditions mediated by PGE2. This invention also provides a system for developing pharmaceuticals that activate endometrial ENaC or increasing its expression. These pharmaceuticals can be used for promoting embryo implantation.