Decreased human leukocyte antigen-DR expression in the lipid raft by peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the macrophage response in endometriosis by determining the expression and localization of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC and HLA-DR by the peritoneal fluid (PF) macrophages and PF concentrations of interferon (IFN)-gamma that regulate HLA expression.


METHODS
Case-control study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
64 Japanese endometriosis patients, and 65 women with other laparoscopic diagnoses.


METHODS
Venipuncture and laparoscopic peritoneal fluid collection.


METHODS
Expression and localization of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR in PF macrophages were determined by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. The concentration of IFN-gamma in PF was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.


RESULTS
In women with endometriosis, expression of HLA-ABC and HLA-DR by PF macrophages, and the IFN-gamma concentrations in PF were statistically significantly lower than in controls. Women with endometriosis showed a statistically significant positive correlation between HLA expression and IFN-gamma concentration. By confocal microscopy, HLA-ABC was distributed homogenously on the macrophage surface whereas HLA-DR expression on these cells corresponded to the lipid raft.


CONCLUSIONS
In women with endometriosis, low HLA expression and particularly reduced HLA-DR in the lipid raft may be influenced by low IFN-gamma and may compromise antigen presentation, limiting the immune response to peritoneal cavity antigens such as implanted or metaplastic endometrial tissue.
Yamamoto
Yorito
Y
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kochi Medical School, Kohasu, Oko, Nankoku, Kochi, Japan. yoritoy@med.kochi-u.ac.jp
Maeda
Nagamasa
N
Izumiya
Chiaki
C
Kusume
Tomoaki
T
Oguri
Hiroyoshi
H
Kawashima
Masaaki
M
Hayashi
Kazutoshi
K
Nomura
Aki
A
Yamashita
Chika
C
Fukaya
Takao
T
D000328:Adult; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000276:immunology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015536:Down-Regulation; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis*; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000032:analysis*; D017737:Macrophages, Peritoneal / Q000276:immunology*; D021962:Membrane Microdomains / Q000276:immunology*; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D007371:Interferon-gamma