The level of human decidua-associated protein (hDP) 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor in the fallopian tube.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to examine whether ectopic pregnancy is associated with increased levels of human decidua-associated protein (hDP) 200, identified as a monoclonal rheumatoid factor, in the related fallopian tube as compared with normal tubes.


METHODS
Tubal fluid samples were obtained prospectively from two groups of patients: group I, 20 patients admitted for total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (TAH and BSO); group II, 14 women with ectopic pregnancy, undergoing unilateral salpingectomy by laparoscopy or laparotomy. hDP 200 was assayed using double-site enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
Very low levels of hDP 200 were found in normal tubes, while tubes with ectopic pregnancy demonstrated significantly higher levels of tubal fluid hDP 200 (P < 0.00001). In addition, in women with ectopic pregnancy, the uterine fluid level of hDP 200 was significantly lower than the level of hDP 200 in the tube containing ectopic pregnancy (P < 0.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
The increased level of hDP 200 (a monoclonal rheumatoid factor) in the tube containing ectopic pregnancy, as compared with uterine cavity and normal tubes, might be associated with the implantation site of the pregnancy.
Halperin
R
R
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
Hadas
E
E
Bukovsky
I
I
Schneider
D
D
D000328:Adult; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D011271:Pregnancy, Ectopic / Q000378:metabolism*; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism
D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; C088113:decidua-associated protein 200; D012217:Rheumatoid Factor