[Immunohistochemical characterization of the inflammatory infiltrate in the human endometrium prior to in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer].

UNLABELLED: Infiltrating leukocyte population appears at the time of implantation in the endometrium of human and other mammals with hemochorial placentation. This leukocyte population is mainly composed of macrophages and typical granular lymphocytes CD56+ CD16-. 63 endometrial samples were studied using immunocytochemistry, before IVF and embryo transfer. We evaluated the sensibility for the assessment of immunological relevant infiltrating cells, of classical histopathologic examination compared with quantitation of leukocyte-common-antigen antibody immunostaining. 21 samples were thoroughly studied during proliferative phase.

RESULTS

The sensibility of classical histologic analysis for the semi-quantitative assessment of leukocyte population, even when performed by an experienced histopathologist, is only 62%. When leukocyte population during proliferative phase is dense, it is mainly composed of macrophages and CD56+ CD16- lymphocytes.

CONCLUSION

Immunological reaction already reported around the time of implantation may occur at other period of the menstrual cycle. Close mechanisms of the control and functions of this characteristic reaction remain to clarify.