Ki-67, oestrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor proteins in the human rete ovarii and in endometriosis.

Abstract

Aim-To examine proliferative activity using the Ki-67 protein, oestrogen receptor protein, and progesterone receptor protein expression in the rete ovarii, and to make comparisons with their expression in endometriosis. Methods-Immunohistochemistry was used to study the rete ovarii in 24 cases and endometriosis in seven cases, using antibodies to Ki-67 protein (growth fraction (GF) quantified using a point score method) and oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor (quantified using the H score method). Results-There was no evidence of a significant diVerence in the Ki-67 protein, oestrogen receptor, and progesterone receptor in the rete ovarii in diVerent phases of the menstrual cycle (proliferative phase: GF = 1.052, oestrogen receptor H score = 13.4, progesterone receptor H score = 15.32; secretory phase: GF = 0.736, oestrogen receptor H score = 7.5, progesterone receptor H score = 1.84). The expression of all three proteins was greater in the foci of endometriosis (GF = 6.99, oestrogen receptor H score = 152.02, progesterone receptor H score = 127.36) than in the rete ovarii (p < 0.0005-0.0008, Mann-Whitney U test). Conclusions-There is a low rate of cellular proliferation in the rete ovarii and this structure shows less responsiveness to hormone stimulation than foci of endometriosis. These diVerences may provide a useful tool to distinguish the rete ovarii from endometriosis in cases of diagnostic diYculty. (J Clin Pathol 1999;52:517-520)

E-cadherin expression and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation during development of ovarian inclusion cysts in age-matched breeder and incessantly ovulated CD-1 mice

“…This is consistent with previous work showing a higher rate of PCNA immunoreactivity in cysts compared with OSE [26] and very low rates of Ki-67 staining in the rete ovarii [27]. Increased rates of BrdU incorporation in cysts and the larger size of cysts in older animals, may suggest the cysts are actively expanding, but it is also possible cyst cells have higher rates of DNA repair [28,29].…”

Ureteral endometriosis: clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study of 7 cases

“…Although a few studies have addressed the immunohistochemical findings in nonureteric endometriosis [20][21][22], the immunoprofile of ureteral endometriosis has not been well documented. We found only a single case report in which intrinsic ureteral endometriosis strongly expressed ER and PR and showed high Ki-67 counts in a patient treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy [23].…”

Expression of PAX2 in papillary serous carcinoma of the ovary: immunohistochemical evidence of fallopian tube or secondary Müllerian system origin?

“…These structures were negative for ER and PR, and consistent with rete ovarii. [21][22][23] In addition, PAX2 was detected in isolated small round glands in the cortical areas; these were lined with columnar epithelial cells and were devoid of recognizable endometrial stroma. These cells were morphologically similar to the secretory cells of the fallopian tubes and were positive for ER and PR, suggestive of endosalpingiotic glands or remnants of the distal Mü llerian tubes (Figure 2m, n).…”