Effect of growth hormone on thin endometrium via intrauterine infusion

BACKGROUND: A thin endometrium has become a common reason for the repeated implantation failure. Growth hormone (GH) can regulate the proliferation and metabolism of endometrial cells. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of GH on thin endometrium. METHODS: A total of 48 female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the following 4 groups with 12 rats in each group: blank control, model, subcutaneous, and GH groups. The blank control group was untreated and maintained in a routine manner. The model, subcutaneous, and GH groups were intrauterine perfused with 95% ethanol during estrus. After 6–8 h, the model group was intrauterine perfused with 0.2 mL normal saline, the subcutaneous group received subcutaneous injection of 0.12 mg/kg GH dissolved in 0.2 mL normal saline, and the GH group was intrauterine perfused with 0.12 mg/kg GH dissolved in 0.2 mL normal saline. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to examine the thickness of the endometrium. The expression of cytokeratin and vimentin was detected by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The intima thickness in the GH group and blank control group was increased compared with that in the model group (P<0.01). The intima thickness in the subcutaneous group was increased compared with that in the model group, but there was no significant difference. The expression of vimentin and cytokeratin was increased in the GH (P<0.01) and blank control (P<0.01) groups compared with that in the model group. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine perfusion of GH can promote the regeneration and repair of thin endometrium in rats. The therapeutic effect of uterine infusion of GH is better than that of subcutaneous injection of GH.