Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical evaluation of endometrial tissues of infertile women with recurrent implantation failure

Abstract

Abstract. To evaluateendometrial tissues of fertile women and the women with recurrent implantationfailure (RIF) analyzed by using transmissionelectron microscopy (TEM) and MUC1 immunohistochemistry.  In this study, 23 patients with RIF and 11 fertile women participated. Endometrial tissuesamples were examined by light and electron microscopes. Additionaly, MUC1immunoreactivity was evaluated. Electron microscopic examination of theendometrial surface epithelial cells of the recurrent implantation failurerevealed lots of cytoplasmic extensions containing secretory vacuoles andirregular microvilli. Furthermore, most of the endometrial cells exhibitedsecretory vacuoles in the supranuclear region. Immunoreactivity of MUC1 wasdetected weakly in the luminal epithelium of the control group whereas thestaining intensity was conspicuous in RIFgroup. Significant differences between the groups with respect to glandularepithelium were found. Endometrial tissues of both fertile women and women withRIF were thought to be important in regulatingthe stage for embryo implantation. Further studies should be done to have abetter understanding of factors involved in the establishment of endometrialreceptivity.Key words: Endometrial tissue, endometrialreceptivity, recurrent implantation failure, electron microscopy, MUC1

Keywords

• Endometrial tissue, endometrial receptivity, recurrent implantation failure, electron microscopy, MUC1

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