PATHOGENESIS OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

This article reviews the pathogenesis of endometriosis, which involves retrograde dissemination of endometrium and/or development in situ by metaplasia, and there is evidence suggesting that genetic and hormona l factors may play a role. There is also substantial evidence that imm unologic factors, namely peritoneal macrophages, T cells, natural kill er cells, and soluble products secreted by these cells, are involved i n the pathogenesis of endometriosis.