Increased messenger RNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the implantation site of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation

Objective: To compare the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors (KDR and flt-1) in the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: University-based Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. Patient(s): Ten women undergoing laparoscopic salpingectomy for tubal pregnancy. Intervention(s): The mucosal layer was isolated from the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the oviduct tissue with ectopic gestation. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): The differences in the mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors between the implantation and nonimplantation sites of the oviduct tissue. Result(s): The mRNA expression of VEGF and its receptors, both KDR and flt-1, was significantly higher in the implantation site of the human oviduct with ectopic gestation compared with the nonimplantation site. Conclusion(s): The results suggest that VEGF may be the angiogenic factor responsible for the implantation and placentation of an ectopic pregnancy in the oviduct. (C) 2004 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.