Immunolocalization of angiopoietin 1 in human peritoneal endometriotic lesions.
OBJECTIVE
To analyze the expression of angiopoietin 1 (ANGPT1) in pigmented and nonpigmented endometriosis implants and specify its role in the interaction of angiogenic factors.


METHODS
Experimental retrospective study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Eighty-two sections from 201 laparoscopic tissue samples of 43 female patients.


METHODS
Biopsies of peritoneal endometriotic lesions of macroscopically different forms.


METHODS
Angiopoietin 1 expression and location pattern in endothelial cells, periendothelial cells, glandular epithelium, and stromal structures.


RESULTS
Angiopoietin 1 is immunohistochemically detectable in endothelial cells, periendothelial cells, in the glandular epithelium, and in the stroma. Differences in the expression of pigmented and nonpigmented lesions are not statistically significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Pigmented and nonpigmented endometriotic lesions differ according to their clinical activity and angiogenic potential. Angiopoietin 1 is an important representative of the angiogenic factors and is involved in the angiogenic processes of these lesions. There were no significant differences in the expression and location within different lesion types for ANGPT1. Thus, it is not a direct activity marker of a lesion.
Gescher
Dorothee Maria
DM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Aachen, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany. dgescher@ukaachen.de
Berndorff
Uta
U
Meyhoefer-Malik
Annette
A
Moubayed
Pierre
P
Malik
Eduard
E
D000328:Adult; D042683:Angiopoietin-1 / Q000378:metabolism*; D001706:Biopsy; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D010532:Peritoneal Diseases / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D042683:Angiopoietin-1