The authors are grateful to all women who consented and donated samples for this study.

The research content and protocol has been ethically reviewed and approved by the research ethics committee of Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital. All women (20- 40 years old) involved in the study provided informed consent for sample collection and usage.
1. Acquisition of pathological tissue
<ol>
	<li>Prepare the tools for tissue harvesting namely, measuring ruler, tweezer, embedding cassette, embedding paper, and tissue basket.</li>
	<li>Observe whether the amount of endometrial tissue (bigger than a mung bean), collected using a standard approach with a pipelle catheter, is sufficient.</li>
	<li>Transfer the endometrial tissue from formalin onto the embedding paper with tweezer and measure the endometrial tissue dimensions with a ruler.</li>
	<li>Wrap the endometrial tissue with embedding paper and place in an embedding cassette.</li>
	<li>Place the embedding cassette into the tissue basket for dehydration.</li>
</ol>
2. Tissue dehydration
<ol>
	<li>Put the tissue basket into the reaction chamber of the dehydrator (see Table of Materials) and start the procedure for routine tissue dehydration: formalin for 100 min; formalin for 100 min; 75% alcohol for 60 min; 85% alcohol for 60 min; 95% alcohol for 60 min; 100% alcohol for 60 min; 100% alcohol for 60 min; 100% alcohol for 60 min; xylene for 35 min; xylene for 20 min; xylene for 20 min; wax for 80 min; wax for 80 min; wax for 80 min. The process takes about 15 h.</li>
	<li>At the end of the tissue dehydration procedure, open the reaction chamber of the dehydrator, remove the tissue basket.</li>
</ol>
3. Tissue embedding
<ol>
	<li>Take out a suitable embedding mold according to the size of the specimen, and fill with paraffin wax at 70 &#176; C.</li>
	<li>Quickly place the tissue into the mold and carefully adjust so that the tissue is located in the center of the mold.</li>
	<li>Move the mold smoothly to the cooling plate and gently press the tissue while the paraffin at the bottom sets.</li>
	<li>Put embedding cassette on top of the mold and top up with more wax.</li>
	<li>Place the mold on the cooling plate, and when the paraffin is completely solidified, remove the block with its attached cassette away from the mold.</li>
</ol>
4. Tissue sections
<ol>
	<li>Insert the block on the sample clip of the microtome, place the blade in the holder, adjust the angle between the plane of block and the blade, adjust the thickness of the section to 4 &#181;m, turn the hand wheel, and start the slicing.</li>
	<li>Expose the appropriate tissue surface by cutting a few thin sections from the block. Take the continuous and complete sections out with the brush.</li>
	<li>When enough sections are cut, stop turning the hand wheel, remove the unqualified sections at the front end with tweezers, and float the sections on the surface of 42 &#176;C water in the water bath with tweezers and brush.</li>
	<li>After the sections are fully flattened out, pick the sections on anti-detachment slides and transfer to a slide warmer at 65 &#176;C to bake for 60 min.</li>
	<li>When the baking is finished, take the glass slides out from the slide warmer.</li>
</ol>
5. Immunohistochemical staining
<ol>
	<li>Dilute the primary antibody into a working solution with antibody diluent. See Table 1 for details.</li>
	<li>Put the diluted antibody solution into a special reagent bottle and the detection kit into the reagent compartment of an automatic IHC staining instrument (see Table of Materials).</li>
	<li>Place the slides on a slide holder, covered with a special covertile, and insert them into the experimental reaction compartment of the instrument.</li>
	<li>After the instrument automatically recognizes the reagent and experimental information on the slide, click the Start button to start the immunohistochemical staining. The experiment lasts for about 3 h.</li>
</ol>
6. Dehydration and sealing of the slide
<ol>
	<li>After immunohistochemical staining, take out the slide holder, take off the special covertile, put the stained slide into the slide holder, and wash off the remaining dye on the slide with clean water.</li>
	<li>Transfer the slide holder to an automated coverslipper (see Table of Materials), select and run the dehydration and sealing procedure.</li>
	<li>Take out the slides after dehydration and sealing.</li>
</ol>
7. Scanning slide
<ol>
	<li>Put the slides on the slide rack of the panoramic pathological image scanner (see Table of Materials) and place it in the instrument slide scanning compartment for panoramic pathological image scanning. The scanning takes 2 min. See Figure 1.</li>
</ol>
8. Analysis of images
<ol>
	<li>Import image
	<ol>
		<li>Open the pathological image analysis software (see Table of Materials) and create a new folder. Import immunohistochemical images to be analyzed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Build a tissue classifier
	<ol>
		<li>Mark several tissues and blank annotation to train and establish a classifier for identifying the tissue and blank area, respectively.</li>
		<li>Use real-time tuning to observe the recognition capacity of the software in real time during mark annotation. If the recognition is not timely, remark annotation and train again until the tissue recognition is accurate.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Build analysis algorithm
	<ol>
		<li>Select the standard algorithm in the software according to the type of experiment: multiplex IHC.</li>
		<li>Set the color parameters of cell recognition by selecting typical negative and positive pixel. 
		On this basis, set the parameters of nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane, and observe the cell recognition situation in real time until the most suitable parameters for the image have found.</li>
		<li>Set the positive cell recognition threshold and observe the recognition situation in real time until the appropriate threshold is adjusted.</li>
		<li>Select the tissue classifier in the algorithm, and check the tissue part in the tissue classifier, so as to identify cells on the basis of tissues. At this point, the establishment of an analysis algorithm is completed.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Run image analysis
	<ol>
		<li>Select the analysis area. Use the established algorithm to analyze images.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>After the software analysis has finished analyzing, manually check whether the image recognition is accurate, including tissue recognition, negative and positive cell recognition.</li>
	<li>If the image recognition is not accurate, adjust the algorithm and parameter threshold again, and rerun image analysis until success. Export the results of the analysis. See Figure 1.</li>
	<li>Other immune cells can also be analyzed according to the above steps (see Figure 1). Set different analysis parameters according to the actual expression of different endometrial immune markers (CD56+uNK cells, Foxp3+Tregs, CD68+ macrophages, CD163+M2 macrophages, CD1a+DCs and CD8+T cells25,26).</li>
	<li>Through the calculation of the software, obtain the proportion of endometrial immune cells (see Table 2). Use this to evaluate the levels of various immune cells in the endometrium of patients with recurrent miscarriage.</li>
</ol>

Image Analysis of Immunohistochemically Stained Endometrial Tissue

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The authors have nothing to disclose.

This protocol established a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform to quantitatively analyze endometrial immune cells of RM patients. Here, six&#160;endometrial immune markers were detected to evaluate the endometrial immune microenvironment in RM patients.
A receptive endometrium during the mid-luteal phase is key for successful implantation and pregnancy27,28. Therefore, evaluation of percent endometrial immune cells pl...

Recurrent miscarriage (RM) is the loss of two or more consecutive pregnancies and is a complex disease drawing attention from clinicians in recent years.The incidence rate of RM in women of childbearing age is 1%-5% 1. Results of previous studies show that immune factors are closely associated with the pathogenesis of RM2,3,4,5. Maintaining immune homeostasis at the maternal-fetal interface is required for embryo implantation and development. Endometrial immune cells perform several regulatory roles to maintain this homeostasis, such as promoting trophoblast invasion, remodeling spiral arteries, and contributing to placenta development6,7,8,9.
Aberrant endometrial immune cells in women with RM have previously been reported. Results show a close association between the high density of uterine natural killer cells (uNKs) and the occurrence of RM10,11,12. An increased number of macrophages has been reported in the endometrium of women with RM, compared with those who had a live birth13. Regulatory T cells (Treg) play a role in maternal immune tolerance toward the embryo, and their level and function are decreased in the decidua of RM patients14. Cytotoxicity T cells (CTL) and dendritic cells (DCs) also play a role in the immune regulation of pregnancy15,16. Therefore, a comprehensive quantitative analysis of local endometrial immune cells during the mid-luteal phase could help to better understand the pathogenesis of RM. Some current methods for quantitative analysis of endometrial immune cells use flow cytometry which can accurately label immune cells with multiple markers17,18. However, clinical application of flow cytometry is limited because it can only be performed on fresh tissue. Obtaining fresh tissue is only feasible when a large volume of excess tumor is available, a rare occurrence for endometrium. Immunohistochemistry can observe tissue morphology well in situ and can also label various immune cells, while traditional immunohistochemical techniques cannot perform quantitative analysis of immune cells.
Compared to conventional immunohistochemistry experiments, quantitative immunohistochemical analysis of immune cells in the endometrium has important clinical significance. IHC intensity scoring is usually ranked on a four-point scale or strong and weak in pathological diagnostics and research19,20,21. However, this semi-quantitative technique is subjective, highly inaccurate, and demonstrates significant intra-observer and inter-observer variability22. One possible solution is the application of machine learning, which is valuable indigital image analysis23,24. By providing quantitative measurements, this approach enables a more precise assessment of immune cell infiltration, distribution, and density within the uterine tissue. This quantitative information can help to elucidate the dynamic changes in immune cell populations during the menstrual cycle and in various pathological conditions. Overall, the ability to quantitatively analyze immune cells in the endometrium through immunohistochemistry offers valuable insights into the immune microenvironment of the uterus.
Therefore, the protocol aimed to developed and validated a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform to quantitatively analyze endometrial immune cells including uNK cells, Tregs, macrophages, DCs and cytotoxic T cells during the mid-luteal phase in RM patients.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Automated coverslipper</td>
			<td>Sakuraus</td>
			<td>DRS-Prisma-P-JCS&#38;Film-JC2</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD163</td>
			<td>GrowGn Biotechnology</td>
			<td>NCL-L-CD163</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD1a</td>
			<td>Gene Tech</td>
			<td>GM357129</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD56</td>
			<td>Gene Tech</td>
			<td>GT200529</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CD8</td>
			<td>Novocastra</td>
			<td>NCL-L-CD8-4B11</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Dehydrator</td>
			<td>Thermo Fisher</td>
			<td>Excelsior ES</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Digital pathology and</td>
			<td>Indica labs</td>
			<td>HALO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Foxp3</td>
			<td>YILIFANG biological</td>
			<td>14-477-82</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IHC stainer</td>
			<td>Leica</td>
			<td>BOND III</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Image analysis platform</td>
			<td>Indica labs</td>
			<td>HALO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Slide Scanner</td>
			<td>Olympus life science</td>
			<td>VS200</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

platform for quantitative detection of endometrial immune cells based on immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis

To evaluate the endometrial immune microenvironment of patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM), a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform was developed and validated to quantitatively analyze endometrial immune cells during the mid-luteal phase. All endometrium samples were collected during the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Paraffin-embedded endometrial tissues were sectioned into 4 &#181;m thick slides, and immunohistochemistry (IHC)staining was carried out for detecting endometrial immune cells, including CD56+ uNK cells, Foxp3+ Tregs, CD163+ M2 macrophages, CD1a+ DCs, and CD8+ T cells. The panoramic slides were scanned using a digital slide scanner and a commercial image analysis system was used for quantitative analysis. The percentage of endometrial immune cells was calculated by dividing the number of immune cells in the total endometrial cells. Using the commercial image analysis system, quantitative evaluation of endometrial immune cells, which are difficult or impossible to analyze with conventional image analysis, could be easily, and accurately analyzed. This methodology can be applied to quantitatively characterize the endometrium microenvironment, including interaction between immune cells, and its heterogeneity for different reproductive failure patients. The platform for quantitative evaluation of endometrial immune cells may be of important clinical significance for the diagnosis and treatment of RM patients.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Reproductive Immunology with a Protocol for the Quantitative Evaluation of Endometrial Immune Cells 

Platform for Quantitative Detection of Endometrial Immune Cells Based on Immunohistochemistry and Digital Image Analysis

Currently, it is challenging to stabilize the analysis within a certain range. It is also difficult to maintain the quality control of the experiment. Our research can help the patients with abnormal endometrial sensitivity in immune to find the cause of reproductive failure.The local proportion of immune cells in the endometrial can be stably and repeatedly detected. Our findings may promote the research progress of the endometrial sensitivity evaluation in patients with repeated implantation failure.

In order to evaluate endometrial immune cells quantitatively and reduce the instability caused by man-made operational mistakes, we established a digital quantitative analysis platform for endometrial immune cells by using automatic immunohistochemical detection and digital quantitative evaluation system. Immunohistochemistry image analysis platform was established to quantitatively analyze endometrial immune cells of patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM) in the window of implantation. All endometrium tissues were col...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Advancing Reproductive Immunology with a Protocol for the Quantitative Evaluation of Endometrial Immune Cells at JoVE.com

Here, a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform was developed and validated to quantitatively analyze the endometrial immune cells of patients with recurrent miscarriages in the window of implantation.

To evaluate the endometrial immune microenvironment of patients with recurrent miscarriage (RM), a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform ...

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Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

Dehydration of Human Endometrial Tissue for Sectioning

To begin, use tweezers to transfer the endometrial tissue from the formalin onto the embedding paper. With a ruler, measure the dimensions of the endometrial tissue. Now wrap the tissue in the embedding paper and place it into an embedding cassette.Transfer the cassette into the tissue basket for dehydration. To dehydrate the endometrial tissue, place the tissue basket in the reaction chamber of the dehydrator and initiate the procedure for routine tissue dehydration. Once the dehydration is complete, open the reaction chamber of the dehydrator and remove the tissue basket.

Human Endometrial Tissue Embedding and Sectioning for Immunohistochemistry and Digital Image Analysis

To begin, select an appropriate embedding mold that matches the size of the dehydrated endometrial specimen. Fill it with paraffin wax, heated at 70 degrees Celsius. Immediately place the dehydrated human endometrial tissue in the mold.Use forceps to carefully adjust the tissue, to ensure it is placed centrally. Now, transfer the mold to the cooling plate and gently press the tissue with tweezers as the paraffin at the bottom solidifies. Place the embedded cassette over the mold, and top it with more wax.Then place the mold back on the cooling plate. Once the paraffin has solidified completely, remove the block and its attached cassette from the mold. For sectioning, insert the block onto the sample clip of the microtome.Place the blade into the holder and adjust the angle between the blocks plane and the blade. Now adjust the thickness of the section to four micrometers. Then turn the hand wheel to start slicing.Cut thin sections from the block to expose the appropriate tissue surface. Use the brush to gather the continuous and complete sections. Once enough sections have been obtained, use tweezers to remove the unqualified sections at the front.With a brush, transfer the sections into a warm water bath, heated to 42 degrees Celsius. When the sections have fully flattened out, use anti detachment slides to lift them. Next, bake them in a slide warmer at 65 degrees Celsius for over 60 minutes before removing.

Tissue Immunohistochemical Staining of Sectioned Human Endometrial Tissue

To begin, transfer the diluted antibody solution into a special reagent bottle. Insert the detection kit into the reagent compartment of an automatic immunohistochemical standing instrument. Next, set the slides with the sectioned endometrial tissue on a slide holder and cover them with a special cover tile.Then insert the holder into the experimental reaction compartment of the instrument. Once the instrument automatically recognizes the information on the reagent and slide, press the start button to initiate the immunohistochemical staining. After staining, take out the slide holder.Put the stained slide into the slide holder to wash off any remaining dye with clean water. Now, place the slide holder onto an automated cover slipper and run the dehydration and sealing procedure. Remove the slides once dehydration and sealing are complete.

Tissue Scanning and Image Analysis of Immunohistochemically Stained Human Endometrium

To start, place the slides with the immunohistochemically stained endometrial sections on the slide rack of a panoramic pathological image scanner. Then, place the rack in the instrument's slide scanning compartment to initiate scanning. Once scanning is complete, launch the image analysis software and create a new folder.Import the images that require analysis. To build a tissue classifier, mark several tissues along with a blank annotation to establish a classifier that identifies the tissue and blank areas. Use realtime tuning to observe the software's recognition capacity during the mark annotation.To build an analysis algorithm, select the standard multiplex IHC algorithm in the software and choose the negative and positive pixels to set the color parameters of cell recognition. Establish the parameters of the nucleus, cytoplasm, and cell membrane until the optimal parameters for the image are found. Now, set the positive cell recognition threshold and optimize it until an appropriate threshold is obtained.Next, select the tissue classifier in the algorithm. Check the tissue part within it to identify cells based on tissues. Select the analysis area and then use the established algorithm to analyze the images.Once the analysis is complete, manually check the accuracy of tissue recognition, negative and positive recognition. If the image recognition is inaccurate, adjust the algorithm and parameter thresholds again. Run the image analysis until it is successful.Then, export the results of the analysis. Set the different analysis parameters according to the expression of different endometrial immune markers. Use the software to calculate the proportion of endometrial immune cells.Following calculation, use the values to assess the levels of various immune cells in the endometrium of patients with recurrent miscarriage. Different immune cells were immunohistochemically stained based on their individual expression of different markers. The brown stain represents the positive immune cells and the blue represents the nucleus.Different immune cells were expressed in women with recurrent miscarriages. CD56 cells appear to be predominant at 16.76%with CD1a and Foxp3 cells making up 0.11 to 0.12%of the immune cell population.

744 Views.  Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital.  Here, a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform was developed and validated to quantitatively analyze the endometrial immune cells of patients with recurrent miscarriages in the window of implantation.

Image Analysis of Immunohistochemically Stained Endometrial Tissue

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