Increased expression of uteroglobin associated with tubal inflammation and ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of uteroglobin (UG) expression in the fallopian tube in different tubal diseases.

DESIGN

The UG was screened and quantified in samples of fallopian tubes from patients with salpingitis, hydrosalpinx, and ectopic pregnancy by exposing the UG with immunohistochemical techniques.

SETTING

University hospital and electron microscopy center.

PATIENT(S): Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complicated tubal ectopic pregnancy consulting for medical care.

INTERVENTION(S): Salpingectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Tubal tissues were collected and examined using regular pathologic techniques. The UG immunoreactivity in the tubal epithelium was also assessed.

RESULT(S): Fallopian tube epithelium displayed an increased UG expression in patients with PID and complicated tubal pregnancy compared with control patients.

CONCLUSION(S): Uteroglobin is present in the human fallopian tube as a secretory protein and appears to be involved in immunosuppressive responses in the fallopian tube.