F J Cornillie

Publications (31)68.94 Total impact

• Article: Treatment with anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (c5N) reduces the extent of induced endometriosis in the baboon.

  H Falconer, J M Mwenda, D C Chai, C Wagner, X Y Song, A Mihalyi, P Simsa, C Kyama, F J Cornillie, A Bergqvist, G Fried, T M D'Hooghe
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  ABSTRACT: Inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, IL-8 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), are important in the pathogenesis of endometriosis. We assessed the efficacy of anti-TNF monoclonal antibody (mAb, c5N), known to prevent induced endometriosis in baboons, in reducing established endometriosis in baboons. This prospective, randomized, blinded, controlled study was conducted in baboons at the Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya. Endometriosis was induced in 18 adult female baboons (Papio anubis) with regular menstrual cycles and a normal pelvis; the extent of endometriosis was documented by videolaparoscopy 25 days later. The baboons were then randomly assigned to receive a single infusion of either placebo (n=7, 5 ml/kg) or c5N (n=11, 5 mg/kg). Follow-up laparoscopy was performed 25 days later to document any differences in the number, surface area and estimated volume of lesions between the two groups and between the first and the second laparoscopies in each group. Representative biopsies of at least one endometriotic lesion per baboon were obtained at the final laparoscopy. Significant reductions in total surface area, estimated total volume of endometriotic lesions and both number and surface area of red lesions were observed after treatment with c5N, but not after placebo treatment, when compared to the initial laparoscopy. Conversely, a significant increase in the number of typical and red lesions was observed after placebo treatment when compared to the initial laparoscopy. Neither c5N nor placebo treatment affected the menstrual cycle. In baboons with induced endometriosis, anti-TNF-mAb (c5N) treatment significantly reduced the extent of endometriosis, mainly due to reducing both the number and surface area of red lesions. These findings suggest that anti-TNF-mAb therapy may have therapeutic potential for active peritoneal endometriosis.
  Human Reproduction 08/2006; 21(7):1856-62. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: The effect of endometriosis, cycle stage, lymphocyte suppression and pregnancy on CA-125 levels in peritoneal fluid and serum in baboons.

  H Falconer, C S Bambra, D Chai, F J Cornillie, J A Hill, T M D'Hooghe
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  ABSTRACT: Serum CA-125 during the mid-follicular phase has been reported to be a clinically useful and reproducible marker in the diagnosis of advanced endometriosis in women. This study was undertaken to document the effect of the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and lymphocyte suppression on CA-125 levels in peritoneal fluid (PF) and serum in baboons with a normal pelvis and baboons with endometriosis. CA-125 levels were measured in 264 serum samples that were serially obtained during one menstrual cycle from 10 animals with and without endometriosis. In addition, CA-125 levels were determined in 204 archived samples (serum, n = 112 and PF, n = 92) obtained from 32 female baboons with or without endometriosis. The CA-125 assays were performed by radioimmunoassay using kits from Centocor (Malvern, PA, USA). Serum CA-125 levels were at their highest during menstruation and decreased progressively during the follicular and luteal phase. PF CA-125 levels were increased during the follicular phase in baboons with a normal pelvis, but no cyclic changes were observed in animals with endometriosis. Serum CA-125 levels were unaffected by induction, lymphocyte suppression or pregnancy. Induction of endometriosis resulted in increased PF CA-125 levels, whereas lymphocyte suppression or pregnancy had no effect. In baboons, serum CA-125 originates mainly from eutopic endometrium whereas the main source of PF CA-125 seems to be the peritoneum or ectopic endometrium. The baboon appears to be a valid model to further study the relationship between endometriosis and CA-125.
  Human Reproduction 12/2005; 20(11):3033-8. · 4.47 Impact Factor
• Article: Free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio as a single test for detection of significant stage T1c prostate cancer.

  A A Elgamal, F J Cornillie, H P Van Poppel, W M Van de Voorde, R McCabe, L V Baert
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  ABSTRACT: We investigated whether impalpable, invisible (stage T1c) but significant prostate cancer can be detected better by determining the free-to-total prostate specific antigen (PSA) ratio of equivocal PSA serum levels. The specificity of free-to-total PSA ratio using research monoclonal enzyme immunoassays was compared to that of PSA greater than 4.0 ng./ml. in 117 consecutive patients with PSA 3 to 15 ng./ml. (Hybritech Tandem-R assay) due to untreated benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostate cancer. Of the patients 77% underwent adenectomy or radical prostatectomy with thorough pathological evaluation of surgical specimens. Benign prostatic hypertrophy had a greater median free-to-total PSA ratio than stages T1c and T2 or greater prostate cancer (0.16 versus 0.09 and 0.11 ng./ml., p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0268, respectively). In stage T1c prostate cancer, areas under receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.58 and 0.84 for PSA and free-to-toal PSA ratio, and free-to-total PSA ratio correlated with prostate volume (r = 0.49, p = 0.005) and Gleason score (r = -0.37, p = 0.036). Pathologically, 84% of stage T1c cancers were significant and comparable to stage T2 or greater cancers. Free-to-total PSA ratio enhances the efficacy of PSA measurement by improving specificity for detecting impalpable, invisible but significant stage T1c prostate cancer.
  The Journal of Urology 10/1996; 156(3):1042-7; discussion 1047-9. · 3.75 Impact Factor
• Article: Diagnosis of deep endometriosis by clinical examination during menstruation and plasma CA-125 concentration.

  P R Koninckx, C Meuleman, D Oosterlynck, F J Cornillie
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  ABSTRACT: To evaluate a clinical examination during menstruation and plasma CA-125 concentrations to diagnose deep endometriosis. Prospective study in 61 women scheduled for a laparoscopy, a retrospective study in 140 women with deep endometriosis, and a clinical validation study in 16 women with painful pelvic nodularities during menstruation. University Hospital Gasthuisberg, a tertiary referral center. In the retrospective study, deep endometriosis was detected by routine clinical examination in only 36% of women. Lesions infiltrating deeper than 15 mm were detected in 50%. In the prospective study pelvic nodularities were detected by routine clinical examination in 4 women but were detected in 22 by clinical examination during menstruation. The latter was highly reliable to diagnose deep endometriosis, cystic ovarian endometriosis, and cul-de-sac obliteration. CA-125 concentrations were higher during menstruation and correlated with deep endometriosis and with deep and cystic ovarian endometriosis. Nodularities at clinical examination or follicular phase CA-125 concentrations > 35 U/mL are useful to decide that a bowel preparation should be given, achieving a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 83%. In the clinical validation study, deep endometriosis was found in 14 of 16 women. Clinical examination during menstruation can diagnose reliably deep endometriosis, cystic ovarian endometriosis, or cul-de-sac adhesions. This test, preferentially combined with a follicular phase CA-125 assay, should be used to decide whether a preparation for bowel surgery should be given.
  Fertility and Sterility 02/1996; 65(2):280-7. · 3.56 Impact Factor
• Article: CA125 and endometriosis.

  M Muyldermans, F J Cornillie, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: This review covers the literature on CA125 and endometriosis; data on CA125 and oncology are not discussed. In normal women, plasma concentrations of CA125 are increased slightly at ovulation and significantly during menstruation. Marked increases are observed during pregnancy and following peritoneal irritation by infection or surgery. These data are consistent with the concept that CA125 in normal women is mainly derived from the endometrium and the irritated peritoneum. Plasma concentrations of CA125 are markedly elevated in women with cystic ovarian endometriosis and/or deeply infiltrating endometriosis, but not, or only slightly, in the luteal phase of women with minimal or mild endometriosis. This is consistent with the recent concept which considers minimal endometriosis as a normal condition occurring intermittently in many women, in contrast with deep endometriosis and cystic ovarian endometriosis which are called 'endometriotic disease'. Serum CA125 is not a good marker for endometriosis but it is a helpful additional parameter to diagnose endometriotic disease in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Following treatment of endometriosis, elevated plasma concentrations of CA125 could be used as an argument that treatment has been incomplete, or that the condition has recurred. Assaying CA125 in peritoneal fluid requires high sample dilutions or a modified immunoradiometric assay, and until now, its clinical value has been questionable.
  Human Reproduction Update 04/1995; 1(2):173-87. · 9.23 Impact Factor
• Article: CA 125 in the management of endometriosis.

  P R Koninckx, M Muyldermans, C Meuleman, F J Cornillie
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  ABSTRACT: CA 125 is expressed by eutopic and ectopic endometrium. In women with advanced endometriosis, plasma concentrations are increased towards the end of the luteal phase and during menstruation but not during the follicular and early luteal phases. In women without endometriosis, such cyclic changes of CA 125 in plasma are not observed. In women with cystic ovarian endometriosis, plasma CA 125 concentrations are markedly elevated. Measurement of CA 125 in ovarian cyst fluid is the method of choice to differentiate a cystic corpus luteum from an ovarian endometriotic cyst, a frequent and difficult clinical problem. CA 125 can be used to diagnose deeply infiltrating endometriosis with a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 87%. These figures underestimate the clinical importance, since plasma CA 125 concentrations are mainly important for the diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis types II and III, which are the most severe forms and which are clinically easily missed. Because of the strong association of deep endometriosis and pelvic pain, the assay of CA 125 in plasma may be advocated in all women with unexplained pelvic pain as an aid in the diagnosis of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Following surgical excision of endometriosis, CA 125 can be used to monitor the completeness of surgery.
  European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 05/1993; 49(1-2):109-13. · 1.97 Impact Factor
• Article: Endometrial effects during hormone replacement therapy with a sequential oestradiol valerate/cyproterone acetate preparation.

  P R Koninckx, J M Lauweryns, F J Cornillie
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  ABSTRACT: Three sequential oestradiol valerate (E2V) and cyproterone acetate (CPA) combinations based on 11 days of oestrogen and 10 days of oestrogen-progestogen administration were investigated during hormone replacement therapy in two prospective, double-blind randomized trials. Treatment A comprised 2 mg E2V and 1 mg CPA, treatment B, 1 mg and 0.5 mg and treatment C, 2 mg and 2 mg, respectively. During treatment A hot flushes (P < 0.0001), night sweating (P < 0.0001), depression (P = 0.0001), dizziness (P = 0.0001) and insomnia (P = 0.003) decreased significantly. The only side effect was breast tenderness, which was experienced by 18% of the women. Weight and blood pressure, thyroid, adrenal, liver and kidney functions, parathyroid hormone and vitamin D, platelets and blood cell counts did not change during the 12 months of therapy. In the women who received treatment A the menstrual flow became less abundant during the early months of treatment (P < 0.0001), the menses being scanty in around 30% of the women, while some 10% had amenorrhoea. Spotting occurred in 10-20% of the subjects. Endometrial biopsies were atrophic in 10% of the women, whereas a normal secretory phase was observed in 45% and irregular secretion in 45%. After careful analysis using visual analog scales, these findings were interpreted as indicating a high-normal progestational effect. In comparison with the pattern observed in normal menstrual cycles the women who received treatment A had a more heterogenic glandular epithelium, with more papillae, larger stromal cells, a more pronounced decidual reaction and more fibrinoid material. No cases of hyperplasia were seen. Treatment B was less effective than treatment A in relieving climacteric complaints. Irregular bleeding was troublesome in over 20% of cases and amenorrhoea occurred in 50%. Endometrial biopsies were atrophic in 57% of the women. The effectiveness of treatment C in alleviating flushes, sweating, dizziness and depression was the same as that of treatment A. The decrease in menstrual flow during the early months and the incidence of amenorrhoea (approx. 10%) and atrophic endometria (approx. 10%) were comparable. Detailed analysis revealed that C had an even stronger progestational effect than A. It was concluded that A was the treatment of choice in comparison with B and C. It proved highly effective in treating climacteric complaints, had no side effects apart from breast tenderness, provided good cycle control and induced a physiological secretory transformation of the endometrium.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
  Maturitas 03/1993; 16(2):97-110. · 2.77 Impact Factor
• Article: Immunohistochemical characterization of leucocyte subpopulations in endometriotic lesions.

  D J Oosterlynck, F J Cornillie, M Waer, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: Leucocyte subpopulations localized in endometriotic lesions were analysed using the avidin-biotin immunoperoxidase technique on 15 biopsies obtained by CO2 laser excision. Qualitative assessment of the leucocyte subpopulations was performed with a panel of antihuman monoclonal antibodies for leucocytes (anti-Hle-1), T-lymphocytes (anti-leu-4), T helper/inducer (anti-leu-3a), T suppressor/cytotoxic (anti-leu-2a), B cells (anti-leu-12), HLA-DR (anti-HLA-DR), macrophages (anti-leu-M3) and natural killer cells (anti-leu-7, anti-leu-11; anti-leu-19). Leucocyte common antigen (anti-Hle-1)-positive cells were present in all lesions and were the most frequent stromal leucocytes. Of these, the T lymphocytes are the most frequent subpopulation together with the macrophages. The CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.78. No anti-leu-7 and/or anti-leu-11-positive cells were found although a substantial amount of anti-leu-19-positive cells were found in each lesion. There were very few B cells present in the ectopic endometrial lesions. In conclusion, an important amount of cytotoxic lymphocytes (anti-leu-2a -and anti-leu-19-positive cells) and macrophages (anti-leu-M3) were found in the endometriotic lesions. The possible importance of these intraendometriotic leucocytes for the pathophysiology of endometriosis will be discussed.
  Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics 02/1993; 253(4):197-206. · 1.28 Impact Factor
• Article: CA-125 and placental protein 14 concentrations in plasma and peritoneal fluid of women with deeply infiltrating pelvic endometriosis.

  P R Koninckx, L Riittinen, M Seppala, F J Cornillie
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  ABSTRACT: To investigate the plasma and peritoneal fluid (PF) concentrations of CA-125 and placental protein (PP14) in women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Plasma and PF were collected during 384 consecutive laparoscopies for pelvic pain or infertility. The presence and extent of endometriosis were carefully assessed, including the area, depth of infiltration, and volume of subtle lesions, typical lesions, and endometriomas. The day of the menstrual cycle was ascertained by endometrial biopsy and/or basal body temperature charts. Peritoneal fluid concentrations were some 100 and 10 times higher than plasma concentrations for CA-125 and PP14, respectively. Cyclic variations of CA-125 concentrations were only found in women with endometriosis showing increased plasma concentrations at the end of the cycle and increased PF concentrations in the early follicular phase. Cyclic variations of PP14 concentrations were found in women with and without endometriosis both in plasma and PF showing increased concentrations in the late luteal and early follicular phases. In women with endometriosis the increased plasma concentrations of PP14 and CA-125 correlated with the presence and volume of endometriomas and of deeply infiltrating endometriosis. The increased concentrations in PF correlated only with the pelvic area of subtle endometriotic lesions. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of CA-125 for endometriosis were 25% and 87%, respectively, and for endometriomas and/or deeply infiltrating endometriosis 36% and 87%, respectively, for a cutoff concentration of 25 U/mL. Superficial pelvic endometriosis secretes PP14 and CA-125 mainly toward the PF, whereas endometriomas and deeply infiltrating endometriosis secrete mainly toward the plasma. The increased plasma concentrations of CA-125 are most pronounced during the late luteal phase, and endometriomas and/or deeply infiltrating endometriosis can be detected with a sensitivity of 36% and a specificity of 87%.
  Fertility and Sterility 04/1992; 57(3):523-30. · 3.56 Impact Factor
• Article: Morphological characteristics of spontaneous endometriosis in the baboon (Papio anubis and Papio cynocephalus).

  F J Cornillie, T M D'Hooghe, C S Bambra, J M Lauweryns, M Isahakia, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: The histopathology of spontaneous endometriosis was studied on 20 pelvic implants biopsied at laparoscopy in 15 healthy baboons. Endometriosis was confirmed by histopathology in 10 of these animals (66%). Typical (n = 3) and subtle (n = 13) endometriotic lesions were confirmed by histopathology in 100 and 61%, respectively. Suspected disease-bearing lesions (n = 4) were confirmed in 50%. Implants could be classified as active (n = 5), inactive (n = 3), atrophic (n = 2) or stromal endometriosis (n = 3). The histological findings for typical and subtle implants were similar to those reported in humans.
  Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 02/1992; 34(4):225-8. · 1.28 Impact Factor
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  Available from: Charanjit Bambra

  Article: Prevalence and laparoscopic appearance of spontaneous endometriosis in the baboon (Papio anubis, Papio cynocephalus).

  T M D'Hooghe, C S Bambra, F J Cornillie, M Isahakia, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: The prevalence of spontaneous endometriosis was investigated by laparoscopy in 52 baboons (Papio anubis and Papio cynocephalus) of proven fertility. Clinical endometriosis was diagnosed in 9 (17%) and 4 (8%) baboons with or without a previous hysterotomy, respectively. Endometriosis was confirmed by histology in 75% of these animals. The 37 endometriotic lesions were classified as typical (13%), subtle (57%), or suspicious (30%); and the percentage of histological confirmation was 100%, 61%, and 50%, respectively. Lesions were found on the uterosacral ligaments and in Douglas' pouch (46%), on the uterine peritoneum and the uterovesical fold (38%), and on uterine-omental adhesions (11%). Only 5% of the lesions were localized on the ovarian ligament, whereas ovarian endometriosis was not found. This study for the first time demonstrates that spontaneous endometriosis occurs in healthy baboons with proven fertility. It also shows that the laparoscopic appearances, the histological aspect, and the localization of the pelvic lesions are comparable to those found in women. We therefore conclude that the baboon is a good animal model for the study of endometriosis.
  Biology of Reproduction 10/1991; 45(3):411-6. · 4.01 Impact Factor
• Article: Women with endometriosis show a defect in natural killer activity resulting in a decreased cytotoxicity to autologous endometrium.

  D J Oosterlynck, F J Cornillie, M Waer, M Vandeputte, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: The role of natural killer (NK) cells in the decreased cellular immunity of women with endometriosis was investigated. Thirty-four women were investigated prospectively before a CO2-laser laparoscopy for infertility and/or pain at the University Hospital Gasthuisberg. Endometriosis was scored blindly. The cytotoxicity, directed against the endometrium, was mediated by NK cells because this cytotoxicity could be removed by treating the effector cells with the NK-specific anti-Leu-11b monoclonal antibody. Consequently, we evaluated prospectively in those women the lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity toward NK sensitive (K562-assay) and autologous endometrial target cells. The NK activity (K562-assay) and the cytotoxicity against autologous endometrial cells were similarly decreased in women with endometriosis and correlated with the severity of the disease. Using heterologous effector cells, the decreased chromium release in women with endometriosis was less pronounced but still present. The decreased cytotoxicity to endometrial cells in women with endometriosis is mainly because of a defect in NK activity but is also partially because of a resistance of the endometrium to NK cytotoxicity.
  Fertility and Sterility 08/1991; 56(1):45-51. · 3.56 Impact Factor
• Article: Suggestive evidence that pelvic endometriosis is a progressive disease, whereas deeply infiltrating endometriosis is associated with pelvic pain.

  P R Koninckx, C Meuleman, S Demeyere, E Lesaffre, F J Cornillie
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  ABSTRACT: In a 3-year prospective study of 643 consecutive laparoscopies for infertility, pelvic pain, or infertility and pain, the pelvic area, the depth of infiltration, and the volume of endometriotic lesions were evaluated. The incidence, area, and volume of subtle lesions decreased with age, whereas for typical lesions these parameters and the depth of infiltration increased with age. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis was strongly associated with pelvic pain, women with pain having larger and deeper lesions. Because deep endometriosis has little emphasis in the revised American Fertility Society classification and after analyzing the diagnoses made in each class, considerations for a simplifying revision with inclusion of deep lesions are suggested. In conclusion, suggestive evidence is presented to support the concept that endometriosis is a progressive disorder, and it is demonstrated that deep endometriosis is strongly associated with pelvic pain.
  Fertility and Sterility 05/1991; 55(4):759-65. · 3.56 Impact Factor
• Article: Deeply infiltrating pelvic endometriosis: histology and clinical significance.

  F J Cornillie, D Oosterlynck, J M Lauweryns, P R Koninckx
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  ABSTRACT: In 179 consecutive laparoscopies for infertility (n = 105), pain (n = 60), or both problems (n = 14), endometriosis was diagnosed in 77%, 82%, and 86%, respectively. Eighty implants with positive histology and with careful assessment of depth were sampled by CO2 laser excision from 53 patients. Deep (greater than or equal to 5 mm), intermediate (2 to 4 mm), and superficial (less than 1 mm) infiltration was found in 48%, 35%, and 17% of implants, respectively. Deep infiltration was observed in the pouch of Douglas (55%) and at the uterosacrals (34%), but was absent from the ovarian fossas. Deep implants were found to be active in 68%. At an intermediate depth, however, only 25% of implants were active, whereas 58% of superficial foci showed activity. Deep implants were in phase with the endometrium in 74%. At an intermediate depth, however, only 38% showed regular cyclicity, whereas 57% of superficial implants were in phase with the cycle. Deep infiltration occurred through loose connective tissue septa into the fibromuscular tissue and was always stopped at the underlying fat tissue. Very deep implants (greater than 10 mm) were found exclusively in patients with pain; superficial implants, on the contrary, were found most frequently in patients with infertility (83%).
  Fertility and Sterility 07/1990; 53(6):978-83. · 3.56 Impact Factor
• Article: Histology and ultrastructure of human endometriotic tissues treated with dydrogesterone (Duphaston).

  F J Cornillie, P Puttemans, I A Brosens
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  ABSTRACT: The histological and ultrastructural changes of ectopic endometrium were studied during treatment with dydrogesterone (Duphaston) in eighteen infertile patients with laparoscopically confirmed endometriosis. Three types of response to therapy, i.e. no response, moderate and good, are detailed. First, focal secretory transformation of the endometriotic epithelium with decidualization of the ectopic stroma was seen in four patients (no response to therapy). In all other patients, the endometriotic implants were undifferentiated (moderate response to therapy) or revealed morphologic features of involution (good response to therapy). Proliferation of endometriotic cells was not seen during treatment with Duphaston, while total eradication of microscopic implants was never observed. Endometriotic implants with good response to Duphaston therapy demonstrated an enhanced autophagic activity within many epithelial cells. Only two patients conceived during a one-year post-treatment follow-up. Both patients demonstrated a good response to therapy.
  European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology 10/1987; 26(1):39-55. · 1.97 Impact Factor
• Article: Peritoneal endometriosis. Morphological basis of the laparoscopic diagnosis.

  I A Brosens, F J Cornillie
  Contributions to gynecology and obstetrics 02/1987; 16:125-37.
• Article: Histologic and ultrastructural changes in human endometriotic implants treated with the antiprogesterone steroid ethylnorgestrienone (gestrinone) during 2 months.

  F J Cornillie, I A Brosens, G Vasquez, I Riphagen
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  ABSTRACT: In 20 infertile patients, the laparoscopic, histologic, and ultrastructural characteristics of endometriotic implants were studied before and after a 2-month course of therapy using 1.25 mg of the antiprogesterone steroid ethylnorgestrienone daily. Before treatment, well-differentiated endometriotic foci were seen only in implants with a rich microvascular supply. It is postulated that the degree of microvascular development may determine the differentiation of ectopic endometrium. After therapy, well-differentiated endometriotic tissues were recovered in only one patient. In all other patients, the foci remained undifferentiated, while in 11 patients striking epithelial involutionary changes were seen, such as nuclear pyknosis, extrusion of nuclear remnants, enhanced lysosomal autophagy, abortive secretion, and focal epithelial erosion. These histologic and ultrastructural changes reflect a progesterone withdrawal effect in endometriotic implants. It is thus concluded that ethylnorgestrienone induces inactivity in most endometriotic implants, while marked involution is observed in many foci. However, this subcellular involution does not result in a change of the extent of the disease according to the American Fertility Society classification system. Preliminary data concerning the pregnancy rate reveal that five patients conceived during a mean follow-up period of 6 months.
  International Journal of Gynecological Pathology 02/1986; 5(2):95-109. · 1.45 Impact Factor
• Article: Etiology and pathophysiology of endometriosis.

  I A Brosens, F J Cornillie, G Vasquez
  Progress in clinical and biological research 02/1986; 225:81-102.
• Article: The response of human endometriotic implants to the anti-progesterone steroid R 2323: a histologic and ultrastructural study.

  F J Cornillie, G Vasquez, I Brosens
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  ABSTRACT: The histology and ultrastructure of small endometriotic lesions were studied in 19 patients before and after hormonal therapy with the anti-progesterone steroid R 2323 (Gestrinone). Histologic results demonstrate that treatment of endometriosis with this steroid does not result in complete elimination of the endometriotic foci, although glandular proliferation and secretion are arrested in most implants. The ultrastructural results indicate that this inhibition of proliferation and secretion is related to an enhanced activity of the lysosomal system in the epithelial cells of some endometriotic foci. In other implants, or even in other cells of the same foci, epithelial cells with only a small amount of supranuclear cytoplasm but lacking lysosomes may be found. The morphologic data demonstrate that the cellular involutionary response to the antiprogesterone drug Gestrinone involves an activation of the lysosomal system, an abortive apocrine secretion of cell remnants and finally, in some implants, an extrusion of individual epithelial cells. Since this involutionary process of endometriotic cells mimics the pre-menstrual lysosomal degradation in the endometrium, it is suggested that the competitive binding of the antiprogesterone Gestrinone to the progesterone receptors of endometriotic epithelium may cause a cellular progesterone withdrawal effect.
  Pathology - Research and Practice 01/1986; 180(6):647-55. · 1.21 Impact Factor
• Article: Normal human endometrium. An ultrastructural survey.

  F J Cornillie, J M Lauweryns, I A Brosens
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  ABSTRACT: An ultrastructural review of the cyclic changes of endometrial surface and glandular epithelial cells, stromal cells and the stromal microvasculature is presented. Endometrial biopsies were collected from infertile patients with endometriosis or tubal dysfunction. During the proliferative phase, the ergastoplasm and Golgi apparatus of surface and glandular epithelial cells become well-developed, while increasing numbers of mitochondria are seen. In the early secretory phase, the postovulatory triad composed of glycogen accumulation, nuclear channel system and giant mitochondria is described and its functional significance is discussed. Premenstrual cellular involution due to enhanced lysosomal activity such as apoptosis and lysosomal wrapping is detailed. Before ovulation, the endometrial stromal cells are primarily involved in the secretion and remodelling of the extracellular connective tissue fibers and ground substance. After predecidual change, the stromal cells exhibit marked macropinocytotic and phagocytotic properties. We suggest that these proteolytic activities of the stromal cells, together with the presence of blood-derived phagocytes, may account for endometrial clearance, since there are no lymphatic channels in the superficial endometrium. According to this hypothesis, tissue fluid may be drained via the fenestrated (venous) endometrial blood capillaries.
  Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation 02/1985; 20(3):113-29. · 1.28 Impact Factor