In vitro lymphocyte activity in women with endometriosis--an altered immune response?

OBJECTIVE

To determine the possible role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of endometriosis.

DESIGN

The lymphocyte proliferative response in the presence of autologous endometrial cells was assayed by tritiated thymidine incorporation.

SETTING

Patients were recruited from a university outpatient clinic.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

To determine the lymphocyte proliferative response to endometrium in controls and patients with endometriosis.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty patients with endometriosis and 26 control women were studied.

RESULTS

The lymphocyte proliferative response in the presence of autologous endometrium was significantly lower in women with endometriosis when compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that an altered lymphocyte/endometrial cell relationship is operational in women with endometriosis and may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.