Pathogenesis of endometriosis--current research.

Proliferative, secretory and menstrual endometrial cells of both the stroma and epithelium adhere to intact peritoneal mesothelium and mesothelial monolayers. Endometrial attachment to the mesothelium appears to occur rapidly (within 1 h) and transmesothelial invasion occurs between 1 and 18-24 h. These results demonstrate that the mesothelium is not a 'no-stick' surface and indicates that molecules present at the surface of the mesothelium are involved in the pathogenesis of the early endometriotic lesion.

Time series analysis of transmesothelial invasion by endometrial stromal and epithelial cells using three-dimensional confocal microscopy.

Objective: To evaluate endometrial adhesion and invasion of peritoneal mesothelium.

Design: Descriptive study using confocal laser-scanning microscopy.

Setting: University-based laboratory.

Culture of menstrual endometrium with peritoneal explants and mesothelial monolayers confirms attachment to intact mesothelial cells.

Background: To evaluate adhesion of menstrual endometrium (ME) to intact peritoneal mesothelium.

Methods: Explants of peritoneum were cultured for 1 h with ME (n = 6). Specimens were serially sectioned for haematoxylin and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry using an anti-cytokeratin antibody to label mesothelium.

The alpha(2)beta(1) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins do not mediate attachment of endometrial cells to peritoneal mesothelium.

Objective: To evaluate the possible role of mesothelial alpha(2)beta(1) and alpha(3)beta(1) integrins in the attachment of endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) and endometrial epithelial cells (EECs).

Design: In vitro study.

Setting: University medical center.

An in vitro model to study the pathogenesis of the early endometriosis lesion.

Objective: To determine if whole fragments of endometrium can adhere to peritoneum with intact mesothelium.

Design: Tissue culture and immunohistochemical study.

Setting: University Medical Center.