Figure 2

Immunostaining for ICAM-1 in human endometrium during long term only contraceptive (LTPOC) administration. IHC staining in the endothelium was prominent and specific for the endothelium in in all endometrial specimens examined. Samples obtained from women using Norplant (subdermal LNG) (B-E)-: (B) 3 months post-Norplant non-bleeding site; (C) 3 months post-Norplant, bleeding site; (D) 12 months post-Norplant, non-bleeding site; and (E) 12 months post Norplant, bleeding site. Similar results were seen in endometrial specimens from women using Mirena (intrauterine LNG) (F-I):-;(F) 3 months post-Mirena, non-bleeding (F); 3 months post-Mirena, bleeding; (G) 12 months post-Mirena, non-bleeding; and (I) 12 months post-Mirena, bleeding. Note that the stromal cells exhibit a much greater decidualization reaction following intrauterine administration of LNG (F-I) than after subdermal LNG (B-E). Arrow = blood vessel; g = gland; DC = decidualized stromal cell. Bar = 50 μm.