Leukotriene release by endometrium and myometrium throughout the menstrual cycle in dysmenorrhoea and menorrhagia

Abstract

Endometrium and myometrium were collected at hysterectomy from 21 women with measured menstrual blood loss. Eight women complained of dysmenorrhoea and the remaining 13 had pain-free periods. Specimens were obtained throughout the menstrual cycle (menstrual, n = 5; follicular, n = 3; early luteal, n = 3; mid-luteal, n = 5; late luteal, n = 4). Leukotriene C₄, leukotriene D₄ and leukotriene E₄ release were examined using a short-term incubation technique. Endometrial leukotriene release, which was always significantly greater than myometrial release, changed throughout the menstrual cycle and the highest concentrations were found during menstruation. Endometrial, but not myometrial, leukotriene concentrations were significantly higher in tissues obtained from women with a complaint of dysmenorrhoea compared with those in tissue from pain-free women. No correlation was found between leukotriene release in either endometrium or myometrium and menstrual blood loss (range 15–457 ml). J. Endocr. (1987) 113, 291–295