Endometrial lymphomyeloid cells in abnormal uterine bleeding due to levonorgestrel (Norplant)

Abstract

Endometrial lymphomyeloid cell subsets were evaluated in samples from normal women and from women with abnormal uterine bleeding due to subcutaneous levonorgestrel implants (Norplant) or an intrauterine device (IUD). The frequency of CD3(+), CD68(+), CD43(+) and endometrial granulated lymphoid cells was evaluated by immunohistochemical or phloxine-tartrazine staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples. In normal women, cyclic variation in lymphomyeloid subsets was seen. In women using Norplant for contraception, the frequency of CD3(+), CD68(+) and CD43(+) cells was dramatically decreased, compatible with endometrial atrophy. When Norplant users with abnormal bleeding were compared ..