Expression of E-cadherin in Adenomyosis

Objective To investigate the expression and distribution of E-cadherin and its mRNA in the adenomyosis tissues and to explore its significance in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.Methods E-cadherin and its mRNA were detected by two-step immuohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization, respectively. Image analysis system was used to measure the average optical intensity of E-cadherin.Results Immunohistochemical staining revealed that E-cadherin was largely expressed in the cell membrane of the glandular epithelia of normal endometrium, but its expression in adenomyosis was obviously decreased (P0 01). E-cadherin mRNA was detected in the cytoplasm of the glandular epithelia in these two constitutions, but the average optical intensity showed significant difference between them (P0 01).Conclusion Low expression of E-cadherin in the adenomyosis may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.