EXPRESSION OF E-CADHERIN, ALPHA-CATENIN AND BETA-CATENIN MESSENGER-RNAS IN OVARIAN ENDOMETRIOSIS

To establish the mechanism of development of ovarian endometriosis fro m the biological function of the adherens junction, we have investigat ed the expression of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs in ovar ian endometriosis in comparison with that in normal uterine endometriu m. The expression of E-cadherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs in ovar ian endometriosis was not altered during the menstrual cycle. On the o ther hand, the expression in normal uterine endometrium significantly was increased at the secretory phase, and was significantly higher tha n that in ovarian endometriosis. In conclusion, the expression of E-ca dherin, alpha- and beta-catenin mRNAs for adherens junction in ovarian endometriosis appeared to be decreased after ovulation, which might, at least in part, contribute to detachment as the first step of develo pment of endometriotic cells.