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.
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
Peter
P
Licht
Vassili
V
Russu
Silke
S
Lehmeyer
Johannes
J
Möll
Ernst
E
Siebzehnrübl
Ludwig
L
Wildt
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