The development of cytotoxicity in peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis

To assess the activation status of peritoneal macrophages from women with endometriosis. Peritoneal macrophages from patients undergoing laparoscopy were tested for cytotoxic activity against a cultured hepatoma cell line. Patients were tested at initial laparoscopy or at the completion of therapy. Fertile controls (n=27), infertile controls (n=20), untreated endometriosis (n=43), danazol-treated endometriosis (n=22), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a)-treated endometriosis (n=13) were tested. Danazol (800mg/d) or GnRH-a therapy for 6months. Cytotoxicity was elevated in stage I and II endometriosis (P