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.