Angiogene Aktivität der Douglasflüssigkeit von Patientinnen mit Endometriose nach oraler Applikation von 5-Aminolävulinsäure

Objective: We evaluated the angiogenic activity of fluorescent and non-fluorescent peritoneal fluid in patients with endometriosis. Methods: Eleven women with endometriosis received 5-amino-levulinic acid (30 mg/kg body weight) orally 10-14 hours before laparoscopy. At laparoscopy the peritoneum was evaluated in white light and fluorescent light and peritoneal fluid was obtained. The control group consisted of seven patients with normal peritoneal findings who did not receive 5-aminolevulinic acid. Sterile filter disks were impregnated with peritoneal fluid and implanted on the chorioallantoic membrane of fertilized chicken eggs (n=105). Angiogenesis was evaluated after 4 days of incubation. Results: Strong fluorescence of the peritoneal fluid was seen in six of 11 patients with endometriosis. Peritoneal fluid from patients with endometriosis had significantly more angiogenic activity than that from patients with normal peritoneal findings (p <0.01). In patients with endometriosis, fluorescent peritoneal fluid had more angiogenic activity than nonfluorescent fluid (p <0.01). Conclusions: The fluorescence of the peritoneal fluid may be a marker for the activity of endometriosis.