title: Altered maturation and function of peritoneal macrophages: possible role in pathogenesis of endometriosis.
abstract: Human peritoneal macrophages from healthy women and patients with endometriosis were analyzed with flow cytometry for size distribution, cell membrane antigen expression, and membrane function. Endometriosis was associated with a significantly increased number of peritoneal macrophages and a higher proportion of large macrophages with increased expression of three antigen markers. Peritoneal macrophages from normal patients exhibited diminished cell membrane capping function as compared with that of endometriosis-related macrophages or blood monocytes. On the basis of these findings, a hypothesis is formulated suggesting that endometriosis is associated with an increased influx of macrophages that are allowed to undergo further maturation-activation. The resultant population of large macrophages may contribute to the maintenance of the disease or associated infertility.
mesh_terms: D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002452:Cell Count; D002469:Cell Separation; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000276:immunology; D008262:Macrophage Activation; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D010587:Phagocytosis