Endometrial glycodelin-A expression in the luteal phase of stimulated ovarian cycles.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) affects the endometrial expression of glycodelin-A (GdA).


METHODS
Prospective, controlled study.


METHODS
Tertiary infertility clinic.


METHODS
Fifteen oocyte donors undergoing COH cycles and 19 natural-cycle control patients.


METHODS
COH, endometrial biopsies.


METHODS
Immunohistochemical scoring of endometrial GdA expression, morphologic endometrial dating, and serum E2, LH, and P4 concentrations.


RESULTS
GdA was detected in all subjects throughout the implantation window period. Immunolocalization was demonstrated in the endometrial glands and not in the stroma or on the surface. A significantly increased proportion of GdA-staining endometrial cells were noted in COH cycle patients as compared with natural-cycling control patients throughout the window of embryo implantation. Both cycle types demonstrated increasing GdA expression throughout the late luteal phase. A significant positive correlation was noted between GdA expression and serum E2 levels (r = 0.5, P<.001) in natural cycles and advanced histology in COH cycles (r = 0.63, P=.01). Neither LH nor P4 were correlated with endometrial GdA expression.


CONCLUSIONS
COH cycles have a significantly increased endometrial GdA expression throughout the implantation phase of the luteal cycle when compared with normal menstrual cycles. The increased expression may affect implantation during COH cycles.
Brown
S E
SE
The Jones Institute for Reproductive Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, USA. sambrown99@yahoo.com
Mandelin
E
E
Oehninger
S
S
Toner
J P
JP
Seppala
M
M
Jones
H W
HW
D000328:Adult; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000378:metabolism; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism
D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins; C045246:PAEP protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D011980:Receptors, Progesterone