Authors: Anne M. Macpherson¹; David F. Archer²; Susan Leslie²; D.Stephen Charnock-Jones¹; W.Karolien Makkink³

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 14, Number 12, December 1999 , pp. 3080-3087(8)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

Contraceptive use often leads to disrupted endometrial bleeding patterns in women. In this study, two different contraceptive regimes (Mircette, a monophasic oral contraceptive and Implanon, a long-acting gestagen) were used and their effects on the immunoreactivity of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and endothelial cell number were determined. During the untreated normal cycle, there was a significant increase (P = 0.005) in glandular VEGF immunoreactivity and a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in PR immunoreactivity in the mid- and late secretory phases compared with the proliferative phase. There was a significant positive correlation ( = 0.38, P = 0.046) between stromal VEGF immunoreactivity and endothelial cell number. This correlation was also apparent during treatment with Implanon, but not with Mircette. Disrupted bleeding patterns were associated with Implanon and, to a lesser extent, with Mircette. Both contraceptives significantly reduced glandular VEGF immunoreactivity. Implanon significantly increased (P = 0.016) glandular PR staining, but Mircette significantly reduced (P = 0.027) stromal PR staining when compared with secretory before-treatment biopsies. There were no changes in endothelial cell number or glandular or stromal ER during the normal cycle, or with use of either contraceptive. There was no association between the parameters measured with bleeding patterns and histological category.

Keywords: angiogenesis; bleeding; contraceptive; endometrium; endothelium

Document Type: Research article

Affiliations: 1: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Cambridge, The Rosie Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 2SW, UK, 2: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Jones Institute for Women's Health, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507–1627, USA, and 3: Department of Pharmacology, NV Organon, Oss, The Netherlands

Publication date: 1999-12-01

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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