Endometriosis affects sperm-endosalpingeal interactions.
BACKGROUND
The interaction between spermatozoa and the epithelium of the isthmic region of the uterine tube is thought to be an important part of the mechanisms of sperm transport to the site of fertilization and in preparing them for fertilization. However, it is unclear whether a dysfunction of this mechanism may contribute to subfertility in some individuals.


METHODS
The sperm-binding characteristics of the epithelium from the uterine tubes of three groups of women were examined: (i) eight with pelvic endometriosis (not involving the uterine tubes); (ii) five women who had been receiving zoladex injections to control their symptoms; and (iii) as controls 10 women undergoing an elective procedure for benign gynaecological problems but with no other pathology of the reproductive tract.


RESULTS
Significantly more spermatozoa bound per unit area to the ampullary epithelium of the uterine tubes taken from women with a previous diagnosis of endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that the characteristics of sperm binding to tubal epithelium may be disrupted in women with a gynaecological pathology such as endometriosis. It is suggested that this may have the potential to interfere with the availability of freely motile spermatozoa, of the appropriate physiological status, to take part in fertilization. This may be a newly described mechanism by which endometriosis can cause infertility.
Reeve
L
L
Academic Unit of Reproductive and Developmental Medicine, Level 4, The Jessop Wing, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Sheffield S10 2SF, UK.
Lashen
H
H
Pacey
A A
AA
D002448:Cell Adhesion; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000473:pathology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D013081:Sperm Motility; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology