VEGF expression in ectopic endometrium of patients with endometriosis

Objectives To study the expression of VEGF in ectopic endometrium (EM) of patients with endometriosis, and its role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. Methods VEGF concentrations in peritoneal fluid of women with EM and without were measured with ELISA. Immunochemical method was used to determine the expression of VEGF and its receptor KDR in ectopic and eutopic endometrium from patients with EM and the endometrium of controls. Microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated by using anti factor Ⅷ related antigen (F8-RA) antibody to mark stromal microvessels. Results VEGF concentrations in peritoneal fluid of women with EM were significantly higher than those without. There existed the co expression of VEGF and its receptor KDR in the glandular epithelium and a portion of vascular endothelial cells. Conclusion VEGF is involved in the pathogenesis of EM in autocrine or paracrine to improve angiogenesis.