BCG vaccination to prevent implantation of endometriosis: an experimental study in rats

To investigate whether BCG vaccination can prevent endometrial implantation in a rat model. Forty sexually mature virgin Wistar-Albino rats weighing 1 85-215 g were randomly assigned (double-blind) to two groups. The first gro up (n = 20) were injected with BCG 3 weeks before endometrial implantation to the eye. The second group (n = 20) with BCG not injected before endometr ial implantation was the control. Photobiomicroscopy observation was done w eekly and 6 weeks post endometrial implantation all eyes were investigated histologically. Five implants grew in the anterior surface of the iris of the first (vaccin ated) group and 17 in the second (control) group. The difference was statis tically significant. Systemic prophylaxis with BCG can exert an inhibitory effect on endometrial transplantation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.