Expression of integrin receptors on peripheral lymphocytes: Correlation with endometrial receptivity

Citation
Vrk. Reddy et al., Expression of integrin receptors on peripheral lymphocytes: Correlation with endometrial receptivity, AM J REPROD, 46(3), 2001, pp. 188-195
Citations number
35
Categorie Soggetti
Immunology
Journal title
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY
ISSN journal
10467408 → ACNP
Volume
46
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
188 - 195
Database
ISI
SICI code
1046-7408(200109)46:3<188:EOIROP>2.0.ZU;2-E
Abstract
PROBLEM: To investigate the expression of integrin (ITG) cell adhesion mole cules on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) and their correlation with endo metrial cell ITG expression in fertile and infertile women during peak uter ine receptive period (day 19/20). METHOD OF STUDY: Surface marker expression and quantification of alpha6, al pha4 and beta3 ITG subunits was done by immunohistochemistry, indirect immu nofluroscence and cell-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods using endo metrial cells and PBL obtained from fertile and infertile (unexplained infe rtility) women. RESULTS: The expression of ITGs was significantly (P <0.001) decreased in t he endometrial cells of infertile women compared to normal fertile women. T hese results correlated well with the data obtained using PBL-ITG expressio n. CONCLUSIONS: If these preliminary data are consistent in a larger group of patients, the expression of alpha4 and beta3-ITG subunits on PBL may be use d as clinical markers to assess endometrial receptivity in infertile women. Moreover, frequent blood sampling is advantageous over repeated endometria l biopsies as the former approach is easier, non-traumatic and avoids intra -uterine infections.