Aging of the human endometrium: peri-implantation phase endometrium does not show any age-dependent variation in lectin binding.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate if the peri-implantation endometrium shows age variations in lectin patterns, which suggest possible age variations in embryo-maternal recognition.


METHODS
Peri-implantation endometria of younger ( < 30 years of age: n = 13) and older ( > 40 years of age: n = 17) normally menstruating women was studied. Endometrial specimens were routinely fixed in buffered formaline and embedded in paraffin. Sections (5 microns) were studied using seven lectins: DBA (Dolicus biflorus, binding specificity alpha-D-GalNAc), PNA (Arachis hypogea, binding specificity D-Gal (beta 1 --> 3)-D-GalNAc), SBA (Glycine max binding specificity alpha/beta-D-GalNAc > D-Gal), WGA (Triticum vulgare binding specificity (alpha-D-GlcNAc)n and sialic acid), ConA (Canavalia ensiformis binding specificity alpha-D-Man > alpha-D-Glc), LTA (Lotus tetragonolobus binding specificity alpha-L-fucose) and UEA 1 (Ulex europaeus binding specificity alpha-L-fucose).


RESULTS
No significant differences were found in the glycoconjugates sugar residue content and distribution between the endometria of women < 30 years of age and those of women > 40.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that human endometrium does not age, at least while cyclic hormonal stimulation and menstruation are present.
Noci
I
I
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence, Italy.
Gheri
G
G
Bryk
S G
SG
Sgambati
E
E
Moncini
D
D
Paglierani
M
M
Taddei
G
G
Biagiotti
R
R
Borri
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy
D037102:Lectins