English

Authors

Publisher

Abstract

URBAN & FISCHER VERLAG

Keywords

Integrins are a large family of cell adhesion molecules that serve as receptors involved in cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions during implantation. We studied immunohistochemical staining of integrins (alpha3, alphaV, beta1, and alpha2beta1) and fibronectin in ectopic tubal pregnancy. Thirty fallopian tube samples with ectopic pregnancies and five normal tubal segments were obtained during ligation operations; the tatter specimens served as controls in the study. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin or primary antibodies against alpha3, beta1, alphaV, and alpha2beta1 integrins and fibronectin, using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase method. A semi-quantitative grading system was used to compare staining intensities. In the control samples, immunostaining of all integrins was found in a single layer of tall columnar epithelial. cells, the lamina propria (Lp) and the muscular layer. Fibronectin staining was detected in the Lp and the muscular layer. Staining intensities of alpha3 and beta1 integrins and fibronectin were increased in the normal part of fallopian tubes with ectopic pregnancies. Staining of beta1 integrin was more intense than staining of beta3 and fibronectin, whereas there was no difference in alphaV and alpha2beta1 integrin expression between normal tubal tissue in the ectopic pregnancy group and control tubal tissue. In the tubal. pregnancy group at the site of implantation, staining intensity of alpha3 and beta1 integrins and fibronectin was strong in decidual cells, supporting tissue and placental villi, whereas alphaV and alpha2beta1 staining was mild. We concluded that integrins, especially beta1 and alpha3, and fibronectin may play a rote in progression of tubal implantation. Although the role of integrins has not yet been clearly defined, these molecules may function as markers of normal and abnormal states of receptivity. We like to suggest that integrins and fibronectin, which are needed in utero implantation, are expressed in tubal tissues during ectopic pregnancy and are involved in ectopic implantation. (C) 2004 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

URI

http://akademikarsiv.cbu.edu.tr:4000/handle/123456789/7056

Collections

Web of Science Koleksiyonu