Reduced endothelial cell migratory signal production by endometrial explants from women using Norplant contraception

Bleeding problems can be one of the major reasons for womento discontinue the use of hormonal contraceptives.Causes ofendometrial bleeding can include disturbances in endometrialregeneration and angiogenesis. Endothelial cells migrate andproliferate rapidly as part of the angiogenic process underthe influence of appropriate stimuli.The aim of this study isto investigate the production of endothelial cell migratorysignals by endometrial explants from women receiving Norplantand to compare it to that of those with a normal menstrual cycle.The subjects were selected from Norplant users with an exposureof 3-9 months. The endothelial cell migratory signal productionwas assayed using the Folkman method (1989), modified by Rogers(1992). Blood serum concentrations of oestradiol,progesteroneand sex hormone binding globulin were monitored for 2 weeksprior to endometrial biopsy.Endothelial cell migration towardendometrial explants of 30 women as control and 46 Norplantacceptors was assayed. The results showed that endothelial cellmigratory activity toward endometrial explants from the controlgroup was significantly higher than toward those from Norplantacceptors (z = -3.89, P < 0.001). There were no differencesbetween endometrial endothelial cell migratory activities inNorplant acceptors with bleeding or withoutbleeding problems.