title: Ectopic growth of endometrium depends on its structural integrity and proteolytic activity in the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) model of endometriosis.
abstract: 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.
authors: Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Sillem
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Hahn
authors: C C
authors: CC
authors: Coddington
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Gordon
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Runnebaum
authors: G D
authors: GD
authors: Hodgen
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D011374:Progesterone; D010447:Peptide Hydrolases