Objective: Evaluation of uteroglobin (UG) expression in the fallopian tube in different tubal diseases.
Design: The UG was screened and quantified in samples of fallopian tubes from patients with salpingitis, hydrosalpinx, and ectopic pregnancy by exposing the UG with immunohistochemical techniques.
Setting: University hospital and electron microscopy center.
Patient(s): Women with pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and complicated tubal ectopic pregnancy consulting for medical care.
Intervention(s): Salpingectomy.
Main outcome measure(s): Tubal tissues were collected and examined using regular pathologic techniques. The UG immunoreactivity in the tubal epithelium was also assessed.
Result(s): Fallopian tube epithelium displayed an increased UG expression in patients with PID and complicated tubal pregnancy compared with control patients.
Conclusion(s): Uteroglobin is present in the human fallopian tube as a secretory protein and appears to be involved in immunosuppressive responses in the fallopian tube.