Temporal and morphologic characteristics of pinopod expression across the secretory phase of the endometrial cycle in normally cycling women with proven fertility.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the temporal and morphologic characteristics of pinopod expression on the surface of endometrium across the secretory phase, in LH-timed endometrial samples in normal, healthy women.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
Academic teaching hospital.


METHODS
Sixty-eight healthy volunteers with proven fertility.


METHODS
Urinary LH-timed endometrial and blood sampling was performed on each subject on a randomly selected day of the secretory phase.


METHODS
Histologic dating, assessment of pinopods using scanning electron microscopy, and comparison with serum P levels.


RESULTS
Eighty-six endometrial tissue samples obtained from 68 subjects were evaluated under scanning electron microscopy. Pinopods were first observed on luteal day 5, corresponding with the onset of the midluteal phase increase in serum P levels. Pinopods persisted for the entire duration of the secretory phase, but their morphology changed as the cycle advanced.


CONCLUSIONS
The present findings demonstrate that pinopods are a characteristic feature of the mid to late secretory phase endometrial epithelium, exhibit cycle-dependent changes in morphology, and are most prominent during the putative implantation interval.
University of North Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Rebecca S
RS
Usadi
Michael J
MJ
Murray
Robert C
RC
Bagnell
Marc A
MA
Fritz
Ania I
AI
Kowalik
William R
WR
Meyer
Bruce A
BA
Lessey
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008183:Luteal Phase / Q000502:physiology*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000652:urine; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D011446:Prospective Studies
D011374:Progesterone; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone