Endometrial markers of uterine receptivity utilizing the donor oocyte model.
BACKGROUND
Ethical constraints limit the ability to study peri-implantation phase human endometrium. In this study, the donor oocyte model was used to study candidate endometrial markers of uterine receptivity.


METHODS
Archived, paraffin-embedded tissue obtained by endometrial biopsy during cycle days 21-23 of patients undergoing 'mock' hormonal treatment cycles were evaluated by standard histological criteria and immunohistochemical staining for alpha v beta 3 integrin and glycodelin. All of these patients (n = 101) had undergone a donor oocyte embryo transfer cycle utilizing the exact same hormonal protocol.


RESULTS
Histological evaluation revealed 62 (61.3%) in-phase, 34 (33.7%) dyssynchronous, 2 (2.0%) immature and 3 (3.0%) advanced endometria. The clinical outcomes of patients with either in-phase or dyssynchronous endometria were similar. Very strong correlations were noted between endometrial glandular dating and either alpha v beta 3 integrin or glycodelin immunostaining intensity (P < 0.001 for both). Glycodelin and alpha v beta 3 integrin immunostaining intensities were also highly correlated with each other (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Throughout the time period corresponding to the putative window of maximal endometrial receptivity (cycle days 21-23) a dynamic process was observed in exogenous hormonal replacement cycles characterized by a rapid histological advancement of endometrial glandular elements as well as progressive alpha v beta 3 integrin and glycodelin expression.
Damario
M A
MA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. damario.mark@mayo.edu
Lesnick
T G
TG
Lessey
B A
BA
Kowalik
A
A
Mandelin
E
E
Seppälä
M
M
Rosenwaks
Z
Z
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018587:Oocyte Donation; D009865:Oocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin / Q000378:metabolism; D014599:Uterus / Q000502:physiology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D000071816:Glycodelin; D006023:Glycoproteins; C045246:PAEP protein, human; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D019030:Receptors, Vitronectin