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Ovarian Stimulation Affects the Levels of Regulatory Endometrial NK Cells and Angiogenic Cytokine VEGF
Author(s) -
Junovich Gisela,
Mayer Yvonne,
Azpiroz Agustina,
Daher Silvia,
Iglesias Ana,
Zylverstein Cecilia,
Gentile Teresa,
Pasqualini Sergio,
Markert Udo R.,
Gutiérrez Gabriela
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00892.x
Subject(s) - flow cytometry , stimulation , endometrium , cytokine , angiogenesis , andrology , medicine , endocrinology , biology , immunology
Citation Junovich G, Mayer Y, Azpiroz A, Daher S, Iglesias A, Zylverstein C, Gentile T, Pasqualini S, Markert UR, Gutiérrez G. Ovarian stimulation affects the levels of regulatory endometrial NK cells and angiogenic cytokine VEGF. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 65: 146–153 Problem Endometrial NK cells play a critical role in uterine vascularization producing angiogenic factors. Impact of ovarian stimulation on endometrial expression of NK cells and VEGF in normal fertile oocyte donors and the effect of endometrial injury treatment on these parameters have been investigated. Method of study Endometrial tissue was obtained from oocyte donors during natural and stimulated cycles. NK cell subsets were measured by flow cytometry. VEGF was determined by ELISA and flow cytometry. Endometrial angiogenic parameters were determined by ultrasound Doppler. Local injury was induced by scratching endometrial tissue previous to implantation window. Results Ovarian stimulation decreased endometrial levels of NK cells and vascularization index but increased VEGF levels. Local injury normalized only the CD56 + NK cell count. Conclusion Hormonal therapy for ovarian stimulation may be associated with poor endometrial vascularization. Local injury before the implantation window seems not to influence endometrial angiogenic parameters altered by ovarian stimulation.