Distribution And Significance Of CD44v6 In The Human Endometrium During The Menstrual Cycle

Objective:To investigate the temporal variation in the distribution of CD44v6 in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle,we sought to determine whether CD44v6 are related to the remodeling of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle,and its possible role in endometrial receptivity,so as to provide some ideas for some infertility,IVF-ET and contraceptive techniques.Methods:Paraffin-embedded sections from 35 cases of the early proliferative and midproliferative phases(day4～10)endometrium,24 cases of the late proliferative phase(day 11～14)endometrium and 41 cases of secretory endometrium,the secretory phase were subdivided into three categories: early secretory(day15～18):10cases,implantation window(day19～24): 16cases,and late secretory(day25～28):15cases.Specimens from All cases were stained for CD44v6.Sections from tonsil served as positive controls.Results:CD44v6 was expressed in the endometrial glands.During the early proliferative and midproliferative phase,the endometrial glands were negative for CD44v6 in all cases.CD44v6 was expressed in 6 of cases In the late proliferative phase.In the early secretory phase,the endometrial glands expressed CD44v6 in 3 cases,13 cases in the implantation window phase and 4 cases in the late secretory phase respectively.CD44v6 staining was present in the endometrial glands from the late proliferative phase to the late secretory phase but it was most intense during the implantation window phase.The gray level is 204.36±8.53 in the late proliferative phase;200.33±9.50 the early secretory phase;178±13.60 implantation window phase and 205±10.42 the late secretory phase.Conclusions:These data indicate temporal and geographic variation in CD44v6 staining in the endometrium in concert with the menstrual cycle.The timing of peak staining and the upregulation of CD44v6 in implantation window phase glands are coincident with the period in which the endometrium is most receptive to embryo implantation.CD44v6 protein may play an important role in the remodeling of the endometrium during the menstrual cycle,and it may be a biologic marker of endometrial receptivity.