Ectopic growth of endometrium depends on its structural integrity and proteolytic activity in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) model of endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To identify factors influencing the development of endometrial autografts in a monkey model of endometriosis.


METHODS
Prospective, comparative study.


METHODS
Animal research unit.


METHODS
Thirty regularly cycling cynomolgus monkeys in three groups of 10 each.


METHODS
Endometrium was minced and spilled into the cul-de-sac in group 1. In group 2, the tissue additionally was digested enzymatically. In group 3, the tissue was incubated with a protease inhibitor.


METHODS
Staging laparotomies after 3 weeks and 3 months.


RESULTS
In groups 1, 2, and 3, moderate or severe disease was seen in eight, two, and four monkeys, respectively, after 3 weeks and in eight, three, and two monkeys, respectively, at 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
An intact structure leads to ectopic implantation of endometrial fragments in most cases. Conversely, enzymatic digestion of endometrial fragments and treatment with proteinase inhibitor impair ectopic growth. Intrinsic endometrial factors that influence extracellular matrix remodeling may play a role in the pathogenesis of human endometriosis.
Sillem
M
M
Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA.
Hahn
U
U
Coddington
C C
CC
Gordon
K
K
Runnebaum
B
B
Hodgen
G D
GD
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies
D011374:Progesterone; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases