Immunohistochemical analysis of estrogen and progesterone receptors in fallopian tubes during ectopic pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE

To study decidualization, estrogen receptor (ER), and progesterone receptor (PR) expression in fallopian tubes containing an ectopic pregnancy (EP).

DESIGN

Assessment of decidual reaction by light microscopy, staining of ER and PR in epithelium and stroma by immunohistochemical methods.

SETTING

Academic hospital.

PATIENTS

Twelve women with an ampullary located EP.

INTERVENTION

A partial or complete tubal resection.

RESULTS

Only minimal decidualization was observed in five tubes. Estrogen receptor expression was noted in glandular cells in seven tubes. No correlation was found between decidualization and ER staining. No PR expression was seen in glandular epithelium or in stroma.

CONCLUSIONS

It is postulated that absence of PR is correlated to poor decidualization and to failure of treatment of EP with antiprogestins (RU486).