A comparison of cathepsin D levels in endometriotic tissue and in uterine endometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To assay the cathepsin D level in endometriotic tissue, to study the difference to uterine endometrium and the correlation to localization.


METHODS
Prospective consecutive study on endometriotic tissue and endometrium.


METHODS
University clinic.


METHODS
Thirty-five women undergoing laparotomy for clinical indications.


METHODS
Samples of endometriotic tissue and uterine endometrium were obtained simultaneously from the same woman at laparotomy, fresh frozen, and assayed using an immunoradiometric method.


METHODS
The cathepsin D level in endometrium and endometriotic tissue expressed in pmol/mg DNA.


RESULTS
The cathepsin D level was significantly higher in endometriotic tissue than in endometrium both in follicular and luteal phase. The highest values in endometriotic tissue were found in luteal phase, in ovarian lesions, and in primary lesions. In endometrium, but not in endometriotic tissue, there was a positive correlation between cathepsin D level and serum E2 level.


CONCLUSIONS
The level of the proteolytic enzyme cathepsin D is significantly higher in endometriotic tissue than in endometrium, which might be of importance for implantation and the invasive growth of endometriotic tissue.
Bergqvist
A
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Huddinge University Hospital, Sweden.
Fernö
M
M
Mattson
S
S
D002402:Cathepsin D / Q000032:analysis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005498:Follicular Phase; D006801:Humans; D015592:Immunoradiometric Assay; D008183:Luteal Phase; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004958:Estradiol; D002402:Cathepsin D