Angiogenic activity of peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the presence of angiogenic factors in peritoneal fluid (PF) and follicular fluid (FF).


METHODS
The PF samples of 48 women with (n = 24) or without (n = 24) endometriosis were investigated. Angiogenesis was assayed using the chorioallantoic membrane of 11-day-old fertilized chicken embryos. Glass fiber prefilters impregnated with the fluids were placed on the chorioallantoic membrane.


METHODS
The vascular reaction was analyzed by an independent observer after 72 hours.


RESULTS
There was a positive reaction in 58.3% of the PF from women with endometriosis and in 12.5% of the women without endometriosis. No correlation was found between the angiogenic response and the severity of endometriosis. The reaction remained after charcoal treatment of the PF. Positive reaction was found in three of six FF samples.


CONCLUSIONS
The PF of women with endometriosis contain more angiogenic factors than PF from women without endometriosis. This angiogenic activity could be important for the further outgrowth and progression of the lesions.
Oosterlynck
D J
DJ
Rega Institute for Medical Research, University of Leuven, Belgium.
Meuleman
C
C
Sobis
H
H
Vandeputte
M
M
Koninckx
P R
PR
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000737:chemistry*; D001681:Biological Assay; D002642:Chick Embryo; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology
D043925:Angiogenesis Inducing Agents