Expression of integrin receptors on peripheral lymphocytes: correlation with endometrial receptivity.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of integrin (ITG) cell adhesion molecules on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and their correlation with endometrial cell ITG expression in fertile and infertile women during peak uterine receptive period (day 19/20).


METHODS
Surface marker expression and quantification of alpha6, alpha4 and beta3 ITG subunits was done by immunohistochemistry, indirect immunofluroscence and cell-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods using endometrial cells and PBL obtained from fertile and infertile (unexplained infertility) women.


RESULTS
The expression of ITGs was significantly (P<0.001) decreased in the endometrial cells of infertile women compared to normal fertile women. These results correlated well with the data obtained using PBL-ITG expression.


CONCLUSIONS
If these preliminary data are consistent in a larger group of patients, the expression of alpha4 and beta3-ITG subunits on PBL may be used as clinical markers to assess endometrial receptivity in infertile women. Moreover, frequent blood sampling is advantageous over repeated endometrial biopsies as the former approach is easier, non-traumatic and avoids intra-uterine infections.
Reddy
V R
VR
Division of Immunology, Institute for Research in Reproduction, Parel, Mumbai, India.
Gupta
S M
SM
Meherji
P K
PK
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000276:immunology*; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D015415:Biomarkers; D016023:Integrins