title: Synchronous expression of pinopodes and alpha v beta 3 and alpha 4 beta 1 integrins in the endometrial surface epithelium of normally menstruating women during the implantation window.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To use histology, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of pinopodes, and alpha v beta 3 and alpha 4 beta 1 integrins in the same endometrial biopsies.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective observational study. Fifteen consecutive regularly menstruating women with normal hormone profiles were followed for detection of ovulation and then biopsied twice, on postovulatory days luteinizing hormone (LH) +6 and LH +8. Measurements included abundance and development stage of pinopodes and a semiquantitative assessment of intensity of antibody staining for integrins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All biopsies observed under light microscopy showed an in-phase endometrium. Pinopodes were found developing mostly on day LH +6 and were fully developed on day LH +8. The expression of alpha v beta 3 dimer increased significantly from day LH +6 to day LH +8, while alpha 4 beta 1 dimer did not show any significant change during the same period. Fully developed pinopodes and strong intensity of alpha v beta 3 integrin were the most common findings.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate a coordinated, synchronous change in morphology and adhesion molecule expression of endometrial epithelial cells on day LH +8 of a normal menstrual cycle.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility, Department of Biomedical Science, Center of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, Catania, Italy. lnardogyn@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Luciano G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Nardo
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nikas
authors.forename: Antonis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Makrigiannakis
authors.forename: Fulvia
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sinatra
authors.forename: Filadelfo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Nardo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D039302:Integrin alphaVbeta3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism; D008598:Menstruation / Q000502:physiology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D039041:Integrin alpha4beta1; D039302:Integrin alphaVbeta3; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone