Immunolocalization of the cellular adhesion molecules, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM), in human edometrium throughout the menstrual cycle

Abstract

In the present study the presence and distribution of cellular adhesion molecules involved in leukocyte binding were investigated in human endometrium. Endometrial biopsies (n = 45) were collected from women at all stages of normal menstrual cycles. Consecutive cryostat sections of endometrium were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies to intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and haematoxylin and eosin. Primary antibody binding was visualized using a streptavidin-biotin system. Strong staining for PECAM was observed in endothelial cells of all vessel types and in focal areas of stroma including single cells, small clusters and l..