Imatinib decreases endometrial stromal cell transmesothial migration and proliferation in the extracellular matrix of modeled peritoneum

Objective: To characterize imatinib's effect on endometrial stromal cell (ESC) attachment, proliferation, and invasion in modeled peritoneum. Design: In vitro study. Setting: Academic medical center. Patient(s): Twelve normally cycling women. Intervention(s): Imatinib treatment in ESCs from women without endometriosis. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rate of ESC attachment, proliferation, and invasion. Result(s): Imatinib treatment at 10 mu M had no effect on ESC attachment. Treatment with 0.5 mu M, 2 mu M, and 10 mu M of imatinib reduced ESC proliferation by 30%, 72%, and 76%, respectively. The 0.1 mM dose of imatinib had no effect on proliferation. Treatment with 5 mu M and 10 mu M of imatinib reduced ESC invasion by 30% and 73%, respectively. The 2 mu M dose had no effect on invasion. Conclusion(s): Imatinib treatment reduces ESC proliferation and invasion in modeled peritoneum without altering attachment. Imatinib may have a therapeutic role in endometriosis treatment. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:2531-5. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)