Peritoneal natural killer cell chemotaxis is decreased in women with pelvic endometriosis.

Problem: NK cell and macrophage function are decreased in endometriosis, and the disease may involve reduced immune surveillance in the peritoneal cavity. NK cell cytotoxicity and migration ability (chemotaxis) are considered important; the former has been investigated, but the latter has not.

Method Of Study: We compared chemotaxis of immunocompetent cells (NK cells, macrophages, T cells) in peritoneal fluid obtained during laparoscopy in 27 women with and 13 without endometriosis.

Role of NK cells and HLA-G in endometriosis.

Impaired natural killer (NK) activity in women with endometriosis is thought to promote implantation and progression of endometrial tissue, in accord with Sampson's hypothesis. However, the mechanisms responsible for decreased NK cell activity and the antigens recognized by NK cells are not clear.We focused on human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-G, a ligand of NK receptors, expression and its menstrual cycle changes by eutopic endometrium.

Synthesis of chondroitin sulfate E octasaccharide in a repeating region involving an acetamide auxiliary.

Chondroitin sulfate E repeating octasaccharide was effectively synthesized in a stereocontrolled manner by adopting an acetamide-type disaccharide unit. In the tetrasaccharide synthesis we isolated a characteristic glycosyl imidate as a reactive intermediate. An acetamide auxiliary involves the glycosylation mechanism.