Adenomyosis demonstrates increased expression of the basic fibroblast growth factor receptor/ligand system compared with autologous endometrium

Objectives: Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is an angiogenic growth f actor present in human endometrium and myometrium. Women with leiomyoma-rel ated abnormal uterine bleeding have local dysregulation of bFGF and its typ e 1 receptor (FGF-R). This study was designed to evaluate if adenomyosis ex presses bFGF and FGF-R, and if present, to compare bFGF and FGF-R expressio n in adenomyosis and autologous endometrium. Design: Menopausal uteri containing endometrium and adenomyosis were analyz ed using immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies specific for bFGF. FGF-R, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of cellular proliferation. The expression and intensity of staining for bFGF, FGF-R, a nd PCNA were evaluated in the glandular epithelium and stroma of adenomyosi s and endometrium. Results: Glandular epithelial staining was significantly greater in adenomy osis compared with autologous endometrium for bFGF and FGF-R. Stromal stain ing for bFGF and PCNA was significantly increased in adenomyosis compared w ith autologous endometrium. Conclusions: Upregulation of the bFGF receptor/ligand system and increased cellular proliferation in adenomyosis may contribute to the pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with adenomyosis.