title: Endometrial pinopodes and uterine receptivity.
abstract: The human endometrium is an extremely sensitive target for steroid hormones. During the menstrual cycle, this tissue undergoes dynamic changes which are reflected on the surface morphology of the epithelium, and which can be followed by scanning electron microscopy. The morphological changes peak at the midsecretory phase, with the formation of the so-called pinopodes. Increasing evidence suggests that these pinopodes are accurate markers for endometrial receptivity, and their detection may be of high clinical utility for the preparation of endometrium before embryo transfer.
authors.affiliation: Second Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aretaieio University Hospital, Athens, Greece. yorgosnikas@hotmail.com
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nikas
authors.forename: Antonis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Makrigiannakis
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004717:Endometrium / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D005260:Female; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008596:Menotropins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000502:physiology*; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010060:Ovulation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D010062:Ovulation Induction / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D005300:Fertility Agents, Female; D008596:Menotropins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone