Evaluation of endometrial inflammation by quantification of macrophages, Tlymphocytes, and interleukin-1 and -6 in human endometrium

Purpose: Our purpose was to determine the impact of endometrial inflammatio n on fertility. Methods: The study population included 49 women: 5 women bearing an intraut erine device, 33 sterile patients, and 11 fertile women Endometrial biopsie s were performed between day 17 and day 21 of the cycle. Immunostaining was performed with an ABC kit. Monoclonal antibodies were CD68 for macrophages , CD3 for T lymphocytes, and B-E8 for interleukin (IL)-6; IL-1 alpha and IL -1 beta were stained with polyclonal antibodies. A double immunofluorescenc e staining was performed to identify endometrial cells. Macrophage and lymp hocyte rates were defined as the percentage of stained cells by field. Doub le staining was compared among macrophages, T lymphocytes, and anti-IL anti bodies in each group. Results: The macrophage rats was high for women bearing an intrauterine dev ice, intermediate for sterile patients, and low for fertile women (P = 0.03 ). There was a lack of double staining between activated T lymphocytes and anti-IL-6 antibody in tubal sterility and endometriosis. Endometrial macrop hages were stained with anti-IL antibodies for all groups. Conclusions: Endometrial macrophages seem to be an interesting parameter fo r evaluating endometrial inflammation In tubal infertility and endometriosi s, the lack of expression of 11,-6 in T lymphocytes could participate in im paired embryo implantation.