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Published on: May 23, 2014
Endometrial angiogenesis throughout the human menstrual cycle
J W Maas1, P G Groothuis, G A Dunselman
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. jwmmaas@hotmail.com
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|July 28, 2001
Summary
Human endometrium exhibits angiogenic potential throughout the menstrual cycle, with varying activity levels. The early proliferative and secretory phases show significantly higher vascular density than the late proliferative phase.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Angiogenesis research
- Endometrial physiology
Background:
- Mechanisms of endometrial angiogenesis remain largely unknown.
- The menstrual cycle involves dynamic changes in endometrial blood vessels.
- An in-vivo assay is needed to study endometrial angiogenic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the angiogenic potential of human endometrium.
- To investigate endometrial angiogenic activity across different menstrual cycle stages.
- To utilize the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay for this purpose.
Main Methods:
- Endometrial fragments were explanted onto the CAM assay.
- Incubation for 4 days followed by in ovo microscopic analysis.
- Computerized image analysis and stereological estimation of vascular density index (VDI) were performed.
Main Results:
- Human endometrium demonstrated angiogenic potential throughout the menstrual cycle.
- A significant difference in angiogenic response was observed between menstrual cycle stages (P = 0.01).
- Vascular density indices were significantly higher in the early proliferative and early/late secretory phases compared to the late proliferative phase.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial angiogenesis varies significantly across the menstrual cycle.
- The early proliferative and secretory phases require higher angiogenic activity.
- This may be attributed to vessel elongation, growth, and coiling during these phases.
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