Intrauterine microdialysis reveals cycle-dependent regulation of endometrial insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 secretion by human chorionic gonadotropin.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether hCG may directly influence endometrial differentiation and function.


METHODS
Controlled clinical study.


METHODS
Tertiary university center.


METHODS
Fifty-six women with infertility.


METHODS
An intrauterine microdialysis device (IUMD) was developed that consisted of two balloon catheters connected by microdialysis tubing (molecular weight cutoff: 2,000 kDa). The IUMD was inserted into the uterine cavity and perfused with saline for 3 hours. In 45 women, urinary hCG was then added for 5 hours. Eleven women underwent an identical procedure but without the application of hCG.


METHODS
The response of the endometrium was assessed by measuring IGFBP-1 in the perfusate.


RESULTS
Intrauterine secretion of IGFBP-1 was strictly confined to the late secretory phase (>or=10 days after the beginning of the LH peak). This time point marks the closing of the implantation window. The application of hCG did not affect intrauterine IGFBP-1 levels before day 10 but induced a significant decrease of intrauterine IGFBP-1 levels thereafter. There was no significant change of intrauterine IGFBP-1 levels in the controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrauterine microdialysis allows a dynamic assessment of endometrial paracrine function in vivo. Human chorionic gonadotropin may be involved in the mechanisms regulating endometrial receptivity.
Licht
Peter
P
Division of Gynecological Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany. peter.licht@gyn.med.uni-erlangen.de
Russu
Vassili
V
Lehmeyer
Silke
S
Möll
Johannes
J
Siebzehnrübl
Ernst
E
Wildt
Ludwig
L
D000328:Adult; D002404:Catheterization; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology*; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1 / Q000502:physiology*; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D017551:Microdialysis
D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D018970:Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 1