Objective: The current study aims at investigating the association between cycling endometrial cell apoptosis and the expression of regulatory genes. Methods: Human endometrial tissues were obtained from 46 patients （25--45 years old） with normal menstruation, undergoing hysterectomy and endometrial curettage. Phases of menstrual cycle were determined by menstrual history, endometrial histological features and serum estradiol, progesterone levels. Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL method. Bcl-2,Fas, Fas-L antigene were examined by immunohistochemistry method. Results:Apoptotic cells appeared as scattered glandular in late secretory, especially in menstrual phase accompanied by low serum E2, and P concentrations. The staining of Bcl--2 protein in cytoplasm of glandular cells was mainly seen in proliferative phase with peak in late proliferative phase. It rarely appeared in secretory phase, and absent during menstrual phase. Fas and Fas-L antigens were also observed in glandular cells. The staining of Fas protein was seen relatively deeper in secretory and menstrual phases than in proliferative phase, but the amount of Fas-L antigen was low and irregular in endometrium. Conclusion: Apoptosis of endometrial cells is a cyclic event, controlled by estradiol and progesterone, which are closely correlated with expression of Bcl--2 and Fas, especially in menstruation.
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