Endometrial markers of uterine receptivity utilizing the donor oocyte model

• Published in: Human reproduction (Oxford) 2001-09, Vol.16 (9), p.1893-1899
• Main Authors: Damario, M.A., Lesnick, T.G., Lessey, B.A., Kowalik, A., Mandelin, E., Seppälä, M., Rosenwaks, Z.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Biological and medical sciences; Biomarkers; Birth control; endometrial receptivity; Endometrium - metabolism; Female; Glycodelin; Glycoproteins - metabolism; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; implantation; integrins; Medical sciences; Oocyte Donation; Oocytes - physiology; Pregnancy Proteins - metabolism; Receptors, Vitronectin - metabolism; Sterility. Assisted procreation; Uterus - physiology
• ISSN: 0268-1161; 1460-2350
• DOI: 10.1093/humrep/16.9.1893

BACKGROUND: Ethical constraints limit the ability to study peri-implantation phase human endometrium. In this study, the donor oocyte model was used to study candidate endometrial markers of uterine receptivity. METHODS: Archived, paraffin-embedded tissue obtained by endometrial biopsy during cycle days 21–23 of patients undergoing `mock' hormonal treatment cycles were evaluated by standard histological criteria and immunohistochemical staining for αvβ3 integrin and glycodelin. All of these patients (n = 101) had undergone a donor oocyte embryo transfer cycle utilizing the exact same hormonal protocol. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed 62 (61.3%) in-phase, 34 (33.7%) dyssynchronous, 2 (2.0%) immature and 3 (3.0%) advanced endometria. The clinical outcomes of patients with either in-phase or dyssynchronous endometria were similar. Very strong correlations were noted between endometrial glandular dating and either αvβ3 integrin or glycodelin immunostaining intensity (P < 0.001 for both). Glycodelin and αvβ3 integrin immunostaining intensities were also highly correlated with each other (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Throughout the time period corresponding to the putative window of maximal endometrial receptivity (cycle days 21–23) a dynamic process was observed in exogenous hormonal replacement cycles characterized by a rapid histological advancement of endometrial glandular elements as well as progressive αvβ3 integrin and glycodelin expression.