Adhesion of human endometrial fragments to peritoneum in vitro.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the adhesion of endometrial fragments obtained during the proliferative phase of the menstrual cycle to fresh human peritoneum obtained during abdominal surgery.


METHODS
A prospective, descriptive, morphologic and cell biologic study.


METHODS
Tertiary care university medical center.


METHODS
Six female volunteers.


METHODS
After endometrial biopsies performed during diagnostic laparoscopy, endometrial fragments were generated by enzymatic digestion and mechanical separation. Peritoneum was obtained during abdominal operations for benign indications.


METHODS
Adhesion of endometrial fragments was studied by histologic examination and scanning and transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
After incubation, the mesothelium was intact in some areas, whereas in other areas mesothelial cells were damaged or absent. Adhesion of endometrial fragments was observed only at locations where the basement membrane was exposed. In areas largely denuded of mesothelial cells, endometrial fragments spread over the basement membrane to form monolayers.


CONCLUSIONS
Human peritoneum is suitable for studying the adhesion of endometrial fragments. Intact mesothelium prevents the adhesion of endometrial fragments, suggesting that trauma to the mesothelial lining is a prerequisite for endometrial cell adhesion.
Groothuis
P G
PG
Department of Pathology, Maastricht University, The Netherlands. pgr@lpat.azm.nl
Koks
C A
CA
de Goeij
A F
AF
Dunselman
G A
GA
Arends
J W
JW
Evers
J L
JL
D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000502:physiology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000166:cytology; D011446:Prospective Studies