Histochemical observations on the endometrium. I. Normal endometrium.

Abstract

Human endometria (15 proliferative 39 luteal 6 early pregnancy) taken from hysterectomies were examined histochemically for ribonucleoprotein alkaline and acid phosphatase glycogen glycoprotein nonspecific esterase 5-nucleotidase and ferric iron. Rib onucleoprotein increased in glandular epithelium in proliferative phase disappeared during luteal phase but appeared in clumps before menstruation. Alkaline phosphatase also peaked in late proliferative phase in epithelium and in endothelium of spiral atterioles; it decreas ed in luteal phase but appeared in gland secretions. Acid phosphatase was evenly distributed but low in proliferative phase and increased to a peak at the end of the cycle. Glycogen also rapidly increased during luteal phase appearing as granules in epithilium in proliferative phase and in glandular secretions of pregnancy. Menstrual and pregnancy endometrium had high acid phosphatase and glycogen. Results were discussed in terms of growth or differentiation estrogen or progesterone control and events during implantation.