Comparative ultrastructural study on eutopic endometrium of endometriotic and normal reproductive-aged women

Objective To compare the different ultrastructural characteristics of eutopic endometrium of endometriotic and normal reproductive-aged women.Methods 6 eutopic endometria of early proliferative phase from patients with endometriosis and 3 from normal reproductive-aged women were studied with transmission electron microscope.Results In comparison to normal human endometrium,the ultrastructural features of eutopic glandular epithelium of endometriosis showed differences.The microvilli covering the surface of secretory cells were longer and numerous.The cilia of ciliated cells were increased and elongated remarkably.In the cytoplasm of the epithelial cell,the number of mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum(RER) were increased obviously and RER cisternae were dilated.Diffusely distributed electron-densed granules and lipid droplets were prominent.The basement membrane became markedly tortuous.Conclusion The eutopic endometrium from women with endometriosis is abnormal which may be the origin of endometriosis.