Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptors in fallopian tubes during ectopic pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To study decidualization, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in fallopian tubes containing an ectopic pregnancy (EP).


METHODS
Assessment of decidual reaction by light microscopy, staining of ER and PR in epithelium and stroma by immunohistochemical methods.


METHODS
Academic hospital.


METHODS
Twelve women with an ampullary located EP.


METHODS
A partial or complete tubal resection.


RESULTS
Only minimal decidualization was observed in five tubes. Estrogen receptor expression was noted in glandular cells in seven tubes. No correlation was found between decidualization and ER staining. No PR expression was seen in glandular epithelium or in stroma.


CONCLUSIONS
It is postulated that absence of PR is correlated to poor decidualization and to failure of treatment of EP with antiprogestins (RU486).
Land
J A
JA
Academic Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Arends
J W
JW
D003656:Decidua / Q000503:physiopathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000737:chemistry; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D011247:Pregnancy; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000032:analysis*; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000032:analysis*
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone