ABSTRACT
Comparative immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of somatic stem cells marker Musashi-1 in the endometrium was performed during various phases of menstrual cycle and in patients with nodular and diffuse adenomyosis. The expression of Musashi-1 reflecting proliferative potential of epithelial and stromal cells was quantitatively analyzed by the optical density in the nuclei and cytoplasm of epithelial and stromal cells of the eutopic endometrium and adenomyosis foci. In the eutopic endometrium, the immunohistochemical reaction was more intensive during proliferation phase in comparison with secretion phase. Enhanced expression of Musashi-1 was observed in adenomyosis foci in comparison with endometrial cells. The most intensive staining was found in nodular adenomyosis, especially in epithelial cells during the secretion phase. These data attest to the role of somatic stem cells in the development and progression of various forms of adenomyosis.
