IMMUNOCYTOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HU MAN ENDOMETRIUM INFLAMMATORY INFILTRATE PRIOR TO IN-VITRO FERTILIZATION AND EMBRYO-TRANSFER

Infiltrating leukocyte population appears at the time of implantation in the endometrium of human and other mammals with hemochorial placent ation. This leukocyte population is mainly composed of macrophages and typical granular lymphocytes CD56+ CD16-. 63 endometrial samples were studied using immunocytochemistry, before IVF and embryo transfer. We evaluated the sensibility for the assessment of immunological relevan t infiltrating cells, of classical histopathologic examination compare d with quantitation of leukocyte-common-antigen antibody immunostainin g. 21 samples were thoroughly studied during proliferative phase. Resu lts: The sensibility of classical histologic analysis for the semi-qua ntitative assessment of leukocyte population, even when performed by a n experienced histopathologist, is only 62%. When leukocyte population during proliferative phase is dense, it is mainly composed of macroph ages and CD56+ CD16- lymphocytes. Conclusion : Immunological reaction already reported around the time of implantation may occur at other pe riod of the menstrual cycle, Close mechanisms of the control and funct ions of this characteristic reaction remain to clarify.