Objective: Comparison of level of apoptosis in the mid-secretory human endometrium. Design: Clinical-laboratory trial. Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty, Palacký University, Faculty Hospital, Olomouc, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Bata Hospital, Zlín. Methods: Samples of secretory endometrium were obtained from 14 women. The women included in the study had the next criteria: a history of infertility of more than 12 months, regular menstrual cycles, age below 40 and FSH basal level range 5-9 IU/L. Sampling of tissue was performed after confi rmed ovulation by LH surge and repeated ultrasound examinations. Patterns were processed by routine methods and apoptosis was detected using TUNEL assay. Results: The level of apoptosis in the endometrial epithelial surface was signifi cantly higher on day +7 compared to day +5 after ovulation (P<0.02). Apoptotic cells were seen only sporadically in endometrial stromal cells. The level of apoptosis in endometrial stroma was also higher (but not statistically signifi cant) on day +7 compared to day +5. The level of apoptosis was markedly higher in spongy layer on day +7 (P<0.01) compared to day +5. There were no signifi cant differences between day +5 and +7 in compact layers of the glands.

        Key words: apoptosis, endometrium