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

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.