The effects of levonorgestrel implants on vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the endometrium

Abstract

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and the microvascular density of the endometrium were studied in Norplant users and normal controls, using immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded endometrial sections. The VEGF staining index was quantified using computerized image analysis. The VEGF staining index between stage of the menstrual cycle and between normal and Norplant endometria were compared. Norplant VEGF staining index was analysed for correlation with microvascular density, duration of Norplant use, the number of bleeding/spotting days in the reference period up to 90 days prior to biopsy, and the length of time since the last bleeding/spotting episode..