In vitro lymphocyte activity in women with endometriosis--an altered immune response?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the possible role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.


METHODS
The lymphocyte proliferative response in the presence of autologous endometrial cells was assayed by tritiated thymidine incorporation.


METHODS
Patients were recruited from a university outpatient clinic.


METHODS
To determine the lymphocyte proliferative response to endometrium in controls and patients with endometriosis.


METHODS
Twenty patients with endometriosis and 26 control women were studied.


RESULTS
The lymphocyte proliferative response in the presence of autologous endometrium was significantly lower in women with endometriosis when compared with controls.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates that an altered lymphocyte/endometrial cell relationship is operational in women with endometriosis and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Gilmore
S M
SM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Alabama, Mobile.
Aksel
S
S
Hoff
C
C
Peterson
R D
RD
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology