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PGE2 and PGF2 alpha release by human peritoneal macrophages in endometriosis
U Karck1, F Reister, W Schäfer
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Freiburg University Hospital, Germany.
Objective:
To test for differences in the amount and activity of peritoneal macrophages present in the peritoneal fluid of women with, and without endometriosis using prostaglandin release by macrophages in culture as a marker.
Patients:
Women of reproductive age undergoing laparoscopy for infertility or chronic pelvic pain with postoperative diagnosis of endometriosis and women undergoing laparoscopy for sterilization.
Methods:
Peritoneal fluid was aspirated during laparascopy, volume was recorded, macrophages were isolated via a Ficoll Paque gradient and kept in primary culture. PGE2 and PGF2 alpha release of the cells were measured before and after stimulation with zymosan.
Results:
Women with endometriosis had significantly more peritoneal macrophages than controls. Peritoneal macrophages of women with endometriosis released significantly more PGE2 than those of the control group: 8.4 +/- 2.0 versus 1.4 +/- 0.4 ng/ml/10(6) cells (mean +/- SEM, p = 0.0005) and PGF2 alpha: 10 +/- 4.3 (endometriosis) versus 1.8 +/- 0.4 (control) ng/ml/10(6) cells (mean +/- SEM, p = 0.045).
Conclusion:
There is a significant increase in the amount of prostaglandins released by peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis. These prostaglandins might alter uterine and tubal contractility, thereby affecting fertility.