Korean J Obstet Gynecol.
2005 Jun;48(6):1506-1512.
Microchimerism of Fetal Origin in Ovarian Tissues from Women with Pelvic Endometriosis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Pochon CHA University, Seoul, Korea. chadh001@hanmail.net
- 2Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether fetal microchimeric cells were detected in ovarian tissues with pelvic endometriosis.
METHODS
Ovarian tissues with endometriosis were obtained from five women who had at least one live-born son and who underwent enucleation of endometriotic cyst or oophorectomy after a diagnosis of endometriotic cyst. Control tissues were obtained from five women with endometriosis who had no pregnant history. Tissue sections were analyzed with fluorescence in situ hybridization for the presence of fetal cells, defined by X and Y chromosome.
RESULTS
Fluorescence in situ hybridization using paraffin-embedded ovarian specimens was performed successfully. Male cells were found in ovarian tissues from all five patients. No male cells were found in ovarian tissues from all five controls.
CONCLUSION
Fetal microchimeric cells, possibly from feto-maternal cell trafficking were detected in ovarian tissues with endometriosis were obtained from women who had prior male pregnancies. Further study is necessary to understand the role of persistent fetal microchimeric cells in the progression of endometriosis.
