DECREASE IN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD POLYMORPHONUCLEAR LEUKOCYTE CHEMOTACTIC INDEX IN ENDOMETRIOSIS - ROLE OF PROSTAGLANDIN E-2 RELEASE

Objective: To investigate the effect of disease on peripheral blood po lymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index and natural killer cell cy totoxicity and to provide additional information concerning the cell-m ediated immune function in endometriosis. Methods: Chemotactic index o f peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes, natural killer cell a ctivity, and plasma estradiol (E2) and plasma prostaglandin (PG) E-2 l evels were evaluated in 46 women who underwent laparoscopy or laparoto my for pelvic pain, infertility, and/or benign adnexal masses. Results : The 20 women (43%) with endometriosis showed a decrease in periphera l blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotactic index, related to adva nced disease stage (P < .001). A significant inverse correlation was o bserved between plasma PGE(2) levels and chemotactic index in stage II I and IV endometriosis (r = -.73, P = .004). Similarly, natural cytoto xicity was decreased significantly with respect to the stage of endome triosis (P = .004) and related inversely to plasma PGE(2) levels (r = -.74, P = .003). A direct relationship was observed between PGE(2) and plasma E2 levels (r = .59, P = .006). Conclusion: Advanced endometrio sis is associated with decreased peripheral blood polymorphonuclear le ukocyte chemotactic index and natural killer cytotoxicity, which may b e related to plasma PGE(2) and E2 levels. (C) 1998 by The American Col lege of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.