Increased expression of uteroglobin associated with tubal inflammation and ectopic pregnancy.

Objective: Evaluation of uteroglobin (UG) expression in the fallopian tube in different tubal diseases.

Design: The UG was screened and quantified in samples of fallopian tubes from patients with salpingitis, hydrosalpinx, and ectopic pregnancy by exposing the UG with immunohistochemical techniques.

Setting: University hospital and electron microscopy center.

Patient(s): Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complicated tubal ectopic pregnancy consulting for medical care.

Intervention(s): Salpingectomy.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Tubal tissues were collected and examined using regular pathologic techniques. The UG immunoreactivity in the tubal epithelium was also assessed.

Result(s): Fallopian tube epithelium displayed an increased UG expression in patients with PID and complicated tubal pregnancy compared with control patients.

Conclusion(s): Uteroglobin is present in the human fallopian tube as a secretory protein and appears to be involved in immunosuppressive responses in the fallopian tube.