Changes in the development of uterine pinopodes in steroid hormone supplemented cycles

The endometrium acquires the ability to implant a hatched blastocyst only within a specific time termed the receptive phase. Ovarian steroid hormones are essential for structural and functional changes that prepare the endometrium to be receptive. Pinopodes have been suggested to be markers of uterine receptivity. The aim of this study was to compare the pinopode expression and serum levels of ovarian steroid hormones in the mid-luteal phase of the natural cycle and in a "mock" cycle in the same subject. Sequentional endometrial biopsies within 48 hours were obtained from women in the mid-luteal phase (ovulation +5, ovulation +7) of the natural cycle and in the "mock" cycle (progesterone supplementation +5 and +7). Biopsies were examined under a scanning electron microscope for pinopode detection. The expression of pinopodes was similar in both cycles, where pinopodes covered about 5 % of the endometrial surface. The developmental stages were also similar with a slight increase of fully developed pinopodes in both samples in the "mock" cycles. Our findings suggest that hormonal preparation of the endometrium do not change the timing of pinopode expression.