| Abstrakt: |
Endometriosis occurs in 4-17% of females of reproductive age and is often associated with primary and secondary infertility (Lachlan. 1972; Ranney, 1980). However, the factors governing its aetiology are not clear. Genetic, hormonal, enzymatic and immunological phenomena have been postulated (Weed & Arguembourg., 1980). Complement component C3 is found lining the epithelial cells of endometrial glands in patients with endometriosis. indicating possible formation of immune complexes (Weed & Arguembourg. 1980) A reduction in the number of T lymphocytes and an increase in the amount of immunogiobulin in endometrial tissue have been reported in 56 patients with endometriosis (Startseva, 1980). The presence of autoantibodies to endometrium in these patients, however, has not been established. Moreover, endometriosis is sometimes associated with anovulation (Soules (et al., 1976) and inadequate corpus luteum function (Grant. 1966; Hargrove & Abraham, 1980). Since patients with anovulation and ovarian disorders may have ovarian antibodies in their circulation (Fialkow, 1966; Mathur et al., 1980a,b; Coulam & Ryan, 1979), it is possible that patients with endometriosis may have ovarian and endometrial autoimmunity. Also, since endomelriosis is a disease involving the reproductive tract, a study of cervical and vaginal secretions would seem relevant, [n the present study, sera and secretions from patients with endometriosis were tested for the presence of autoantibodies to ovary and endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
