Increased numbers of eosinophilic granulocytes and eosinophil degranul
ation have been observed in various inflammatory conditions. Biopsies
from the fallopian tubes of 28 patients were examined for the content
of eosinophilic granulocytes. Peritoneal fluids (PF) from 89 patients
were analyzed for the concentrations of eosinophilic granulocytes and
the granule protein eosinophil cationic protein (ECP). The ECP levels
in the PF were substantially elevated during genital inflammation (P <
0.001). Furthermore, one week after laparotomy for adhesiolysis there
were both increased PF-ECP levels (P < 0.01) and raised concentration
s of eosinophilic granulocytes (P < 0.001) when compared to the refere
nce group. Staining of the biopsies with monoclonal antibodies reveale
d an increased total number as well as a number of activated eosinophi
lic granulocytes in specimens from adhesions and sactosalpinx compared
to specimens from normal fimbriae. The findings indicate that eosinop
hilic granulocytes may have a possible role in the fibrotic process of
pelvic adhesion disease.