Authors: Michelle Nisolle; Stéphane Gillerot; Françoise Casanas-Roux; Jean Squifflet; Martine Berliere

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 14, Number 11, November 1999 , pp. 2844-2850(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

The cell proliferation-associated antigen Ki 67 and the immunohistochemical content of oestrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors AB (PRAB) and progesterone receptors B (PRB) were evaluated in leiomyomata and adjacent myometrium during the menstrual cycle and in leiomyomata under gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) therapy. The proliferative status of muscular cells was measured by evaluating the percentage of nuclei staining positive for Ki 67 (proliferation index). Quantitative analysis (QH-score) was carried out using advanced stereographic computer technology to investigate ER, PRAB and PRB. Leiomyoma and myometrial biopsies were taken from 30 patients undergoing hysterectomy or myomectomy because of symptomatic leiomyomata (subgroup I). Leiomyoma biopsies were taken from 10 patients suffering from symptomatic submucosal leiomyomata, after 2 month GnRH therapy (subgroup II). During the secretory phase, the proliferation index (Ki 67) was found to be higher in leiomyomata than in myometrium, but the difference was not significant. Oestrogen receptor content was significantly higher in leiomyomata than in myometrium only during the proliferative phase of the cycle. PRAB and PRB content were found to be higher in leiomyomata than in adjacent myometrium with a statistically significant dominance of PRAB over PRB. Under GnRHa therapy, a dramatic decrease was observed in PRAB and B content as well as Ki 67 but ER content remained comparable with the results obtained during the menstrual cycle. The results suggest that leiomyomata may be under the influence of progesterone which may play a major role in their growth.

Keywords: GnRHa; leiomyomata; proliferation index (Ki 67); steroid receptors

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 1999-11-01

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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