Expression of E-cadherin in adenomyosis

E-cadherin and its mRNA were detected by two-step immunohistochemical staining and in situ hybridization, respectively. Image analysis system was used to measure the average optical intensity of E-cadherin. 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 (P<0.01). 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 (P<0.01) Low expression of E-cadherin in the adenomyosis may be an important factor in the pathogenesis of adenomyosis.