Secretory endometrium after hormonal stimulation. Histochemistry and ultrastructure

The purpose of the study was to explore the surface of the secretory endome trium using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron mi croscopy (TEM), and to examine the activity of hydrolytic enzymes Alkaline Phosphatase -AlP, Acid Phosphatase - AcP, Aminopeptidase M - APM, Aminopept idase A - APq Dipeptidylaminopeptidase IV - DP IV. We compared groups of 15 patients after stimulation( GnRH-a + FSH/hCG) and 15 patients with spontaneus cycle. The specimens were obtained from endomet rial mucosa during days 3 and 8 after ovulation which was determined by rep eated sonografic examination (natural cycle) or by ovum pick-up (stimulated cycle for IVF without ET).