EXPRESSION OF EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR RECEPTOR IN ADENOMYOSIS FOCI

Epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGF-R) expression was evaluated in t he adenomyosis foci in comparison with its presence in endometrium and myometrium from the same patients. It was detected by an immunoperoxi dase test, using a monoclonal antibody against EGF-R. EGF-R expression in adenomyosis foci as well as in endometrial and myometrial tissues was shown, but its expression and concentration were lower in the aden omyotic foci than in the endometrial tissue. EGF-R was detectable in g landular cells as well as in the stroma. The smooth muscle fibres dire ctly surrounding the adenomyotic foci showed more intensive EGF-R expr ession in comparison with the unchanged myometrium. No significant dep endence of EGF-R expression on the phase of the menstrual cycle was fo und.