Bcl-2 expression in eutopic endometrium and uterine adenomyotic tissue

Aim: To investigate Bcl-2 expression in human eutopic endometrium and adenomyotic tissues during the menstrual cycle and discuss the cause of different Bcl-2 expression between uterine adenomyosis and endometriosis. Methods: Bcl-2 expression was studied by an immunohistochemical LSAB method in 20 samples of eutopic and ectopic endometrium in adenomyosis. Results: The expression of Bcl-2 in eutopic endometrial glandular cells was observed at prolifertive through early secretory phases and peaked at the end of proliferative phase, but not at mid and late secretory phases. The expression of Bcl-2 in ectopic glandular cells of adenomyosis showed apparent cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle. Bcl-2 was strongly expressed during the proliferative phase, but weakly expressed during the secretory phase. Conclusion: The cyclic changes of Bcl-2 expression in adenomyotic tissues implied a difference in the pathogenesis or condition of the cells between adenomyosis and endometriosis.[