Immunohistochemical characterization of leucocyte subpopulations in endometriotic lesions

• Published in: Archives of gynecology and obstetrics 1993-12, Vol.253 (4), p.197-206
• Main Authors: Oosterlynck, D J, Cornillie, F J, Waer, M, Koninckx, P R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: AIDS/HIV; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Avidin; B-Lymphocyte Subsets - classification; B-Lymphocyte Subsets - pathology; Biopsy; Biotin; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Endometriosis - pathology; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Female; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Laparoscopy; Severity of Illness Index; T-Lymphocyte Subsets - classification; T-Lymphocyte Subsets - pathology; Uterine Diseases - pathology
• ISSN: 0932-0067; 1432-0711
• DOI: 10.1007/bf02766646

Leucocyte subpopulations localized in endometriotic lesions were analysed using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique on 15 biopsies obtained by CO2 laser excision. Qualitative assessment of the leucocyte subpopulations was performed with a panel of antihuman monoclonal antibodies for leucocytes (anti-Hle-1), T-lymphocytes (anti-leu-4), T helper/inducer (anti-leu-3a), T suppressor/cytotoxic (anti-leu-2a), B cells (anti-leu-12), HLA-DR (anti-HLA-DR), macrophages (anti-leu-M3) and natural killer cells (anti-leu-7, anti-leu-11; anti-leu-19). Leucocyte common antigen (anti-Hle-1)-positive cells were present in all lesions and were the most frequent stromal leucocytes. Of these, the T lymphocytes are the most frequent subpopulation together with the macrophages. The CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.78. No anti-leu-7 and/or anti-leu-11-positive cells were found although a substantial amount of anti-leu-19-positive cells were found in each lesion. There were very few B cells present in the ectopic endometrial lesions. In conclusion, an important amount of cytotoxic lymphocytes (anti-leu-2a -and anti-leu-19-positive cells) and macrophages (anti-leu-M3) were found in the endometriotic lesions. The possible importance of these intraendometriotic leucocytes for the pathophysiology of endometriosis will be discussed.