Endometrial transcription of microbial molecular patterns receptors in Gyr and F1 Holstein x Gyr postpartum cows / Transcrição endometrial de receptores de padrões moleculares microbianos em vacas Gir e F1 Holandês x Gir após o parto

Zebu and Holstein x Zebu crossbred have low incidence of uterine infection when compared to Holstein cows. Resistance to uterine infections may be associated with the ability to recognize invading microorganisms. Endometrial transcription of microbial molecular patterns receptors has been investigated in the postpartum period of Holstein cows, but it is completely unknown in Zebu or Holstein x Zebu cows. In this study, 9 Gyr and 12 F1 Holstein x Gyr cows were submitted to endometrial biopsies at the first and seventh days postpartum, with the objective to measure transcription levels of toll-like receptors (TLRs) 1/6, 2, 4, 5, and 9; nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptors 1 and 2; and coreceptors cluster of differentiation 14 (CD14) and myeloid differentiation protein-2 (MD-2). There was a significant (P<0.05) decrease in transcription of TLR5 in Gyr, and an increase in transcription of TLR9 in F1 cows, between the first and seventh day postpartum. Both groups had low incidences of uterine infections up to 42 days postpartum. Uterine involution completed at 27.7 ± 10.1 and 25.1 ± 4.7 days postpartum for Gyr and F1 cows, respectively. In Gyr cows, higher transcription levels of TLR1/6 and NOD1 correlated to a longer period required for uterine involution. In F1 cows, lower levels of TLR1/6, TLR2 and NOD2 correlated to a longer period required for uterine involution. In conclusion, some pathogen recognition receptors associated significantly with the time required for uterine involution in Gyr and F1 cows.(AU)

Vacas Zebu e mestiças Holandês x Zebu apresentam baixas incidências de infecções uterinas quando comparadas às Holandesas. A resistência às infecções uterinas pode estar relacionada com a capacidade de reconhecimento dos microrganismos invasores. A transcrição endometrial de receptores de padrões moleculares microbianos tem sido investigada em vacas Holandesas recém-paridas, porém ainda é desconhecida em vacas Zebu e mestiças Holandês x Zebu. No presente estudo, nove vacas Gir e 12 F1 Holandês x Gir foram submetidas a biópsias endometriais no primeiro e no sétimo dia após o parto, com o objetivo de mensurar os níveis de transcrição gênica dos receptores tipo Toll (TLRs) 1/6, 2, 4, 5 e 9; receptores tipo NOD 1 e 2; e dos coreceptores CD14 e MD-2. Houve diminuição significativa (P < 0,05) do nível de transcrição de TLR5 em vacas Gir e aumento da transcrição de TLR9 em vacas F1, entre o primeiro e o sétimo dia após o parto. Os dois grupos apresentaram baixas incidências de infecções uterinas até 42 dias pós-parto. O período de involução uterina foi de 27,7 ± 10,1 e 25,1 ± 4,7 dias pós-parto, para vacas Gir e F1, respectivamente. No grupo de vacas Gir, altos níveis de transcrição de TLR1/6 e NOD1 tiveram correlação significativa com o prolongamento do período de involução uterina. No grupo de vacas F1, baixos níveis de transcrição de TLR1/6, TLR2 e NOD2 foram associados a maiores períodos de involução uterina. Portanto, os níveis de transcrição endometrial de alguns receptores de padrões moleculares microbianos na primeira semana após o parto podem estar relacionados com o tempo requerido para ocorrência da involução uterina em vacas Gir e F1.(AU)

Arsenic-induced toxicity in the endometrium of adult albino rat and the possible role of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone: a histological study

Arsenic is a toxic mutagenic metalloid and a major pollutant of water. Exposure to arsenic produces various adverse reproductive effects. Human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] has an important role in the female reproductive system. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of sodium arsenite on the structure of the endometrium of adult rats and evaluate the possible role of hCG in the amelioration of these changes. Thirty-six adult female rats were used in this study. They were divided into three equal groups: group I [the control group]; group II, in which the animals received sodium arsenite orally for 28 days; and group III, in which the animals were subcutaneously injected with hCG for 28 days, together with the previous dose of sodium arsenite. Specimens of the endometrium were taken at diestrous phase and prepared for light and scanning electron microscopic examinations. Moreover, morphometric measurements were taken to measure the height of the surface epithelium and the diameter and number of endometrial glands, and the results were statistically analyzed. Arsenite treatment prolonged the diestrous phase. The surface epithelium showed a significant reduction in height as compared with the control group and some parts showed focal degeneration and shedding. The endometrial stroma showed irregularly shaped cells and an apparent increase in collagen fibers. Small and atrophied glands were seen. Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed a decrease in the number of cells with pinopodes and a decrease in the number of pits of glands. Concomitant administration of arsenite and hCG resulted in regular estrous cycles. The structure of the endometrium was improved as compared with that of the arsenic-treated group. Sodium arsenite altered the structure of the endometrium and the phases of the estrous cycle. Concomitant administration of hCG with arsenic improved the structure of the endometrium and the regularity of the estrous cycle

Effect of aromatase inhibitors on the endometrium and ovary with their possible role in ovulation in adult albino rats: a histological, immunohistochemical, morphometric, and hormonal assay

Aromatase inhibitors act by inhibiting estrogen synthesis and depletion of its concentrations in the circulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of exemestane and letrozole on the endometrium and ovary with their possible role in ovulation in adult albino rats. Thirty adult female albino rats were used and divided into control and experimental groups. Rats in the experimental group were further divided into subgroup IIA and subgroup IIB. In subgroup IIA each rat was given exemestane at 1 mg/kg/day and in subgroup IIB each rat was given letrozole at 5 mg/kg/day by means of a gastric tube for five consecutive ovarian cycles. Specimens from their ovaries and endometrium were taken and prepared for H and E staining and for immunohistochemical staining for vascular endothelial growth factor study. Morphometric study of endometrial thickness and surface area percentage of immunoreaction in the endometrium was evaluated. Hormonal assay of luteinizing hormone and follicular stimulating hormone was carried out. Significant decrease in endometrial thickness was observed in the exemestane-treated group. The letrozole-treated group revealed significantly thickened endometrium. The exemestane-treated group showed markedly disturbed ovarian architecture in the form of thickened germinal epithelial cell layer and multiple corpora lutea with atretic follicles. The letrozole-treated group revealed an ovarian cortex with multiple stages of follicular development. The vascular endothelial growth factor immunoreaction of the letrozole-treated group showed significant highly positive cytoplasmic reaction. Significant decrease in luteinizing hormone level in the exemestane group and significant increase in the letrozole group were detected. It is concluded that letrozole improved the endometrial thickness and may have a role in ovulation induction. In contrast, exemestane led to disruption of the endometrium and ovary. Therefore, not all aromatase inhibitors help in ovulation

Assessment of rat endometrial pinopodes in normal cycles and following HCG ovarian hyperstimulation with or without progesterone supplementation: scanning electron microscopic study

Pinopodes, mushroom-like projections, arise from the endometrial surface at or just before the time of implantation. They have been proposed as a method of identifying endometrial receptivity for transferred embryo in programs of IVF. The present work was planned to assess the expression of pinopodes in rat endometrium in normal cycles and following ovarian hyperstimulation with or without progesterone supplementation as a trial to estimate the optimal date for successful embryo transfer in IVF programs. Forty-five adult female albino rats were divided equally into three groups. In the control group, ovulation was induced by mechanical vagino-cervical stimulation. Group II was subjected to ovarian hyperstimulation using human chorionic gonadotrophin [HCG] 350 IU/kg injected intraperitoneally [two injections 48h apart and vagino-cervical stimulation was performed on the evening of administration of the second injection. Group III was treated in the same way as group II, followed by a daily subcutaneous injection of progesterone 35mg/kg. All rats were sacrificed 3, and 5 days after vagino-cervical stimulation. The middle third of the right uterine horn were processes for scanning electron microscope examination. The mean number of pinopodes was statistically analyzed. In control rats, pinopodes started to appear on day 4 and significantly increased in number on day 5. In the HCG-ovarian hyperstimulated group, there was an early appearance of pinopodes on day 3, which increased in number on day 4 and regressed on day 5. With progesterone supplementation, there was an obvious increase in the number of pinopodes especially on day 4. It could be concluded that ovarian hyperstimulation using HCG may cause early expression of pinopodes and premature formation of an implantation window. Also, progesterone supplementation could enhance endometrial receptivity. This should be taken into consideration in IVF programs to synchronize embryo and endometrial development, which could improve pregnancy rates

Effect of alloxan-induced diabetes on implantation sites of pregnant rats with special emphasis on angiogenesis

Diabetes is relatively common worldwide. According to the reports of the WHO, more than 150 million people suffer from diabetes across the world. A primary negative effect of a diabetic environment on the developing embryo is impaired vascularization of the yolk sac. Angiogenesis at the sites of blastocyst implantation is associated with increased vascular permeability. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diabetes on the implantation site and intersite in albino rats during the early period of pregnancy with special emphasis on angiogenesis, by studying vascular endothelial growth factor expression. Forty adult female albino rats aged 4-6 months were used in this study. Rats were divided into two groups [20 rats each]. Group I constituted the control group and group II constituted the alloxan-induced diabetic group. Diabetes was induced in rats by intravenous injection of alloxan monohydrate dissolved in normal saline into the dorsal tail vein at a dose of 40mg/kg body weight. Vaginal smears were collected from each animal; the presence of sperm in the smear was designated as day 1 of pregnancy. Pregnant rats from the control and diabetic groups were sacrificed at days 4, 5, 6 and 7 of pregnancy [n=5]. Examination of the uterine horn sections showed occurrence of implantation on day 6 in the control group, whereas implantation in the diabetic group occurred only on day 7. Granulated metrial glandular cells were clearly seen in the control group, whereas lymphocytic infiltration was obvious in the diabetic group. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was stronger in the diabetic group

Scanning electron microscopy and histopathological study of the effect of estriol on the endometrium of women using long acting injectable contraceptives with irregular uterine bleeding

Hormonal contraceptives are female sex steroids, synthetic estrogen and synthetic progesterone [pro gestin], or pro gestin only. They can be administered in the form of oral contraceptives "OC", implants, and injectables. A large part of the modem medical research has focused on studying the effect of different forms of the hormonal contraception on the human endometrium whether by the conventional dilatation and curettage or by outpatient pipelle to study the endometrial histopathological changes either by light microscope or scanning electron microscope; and to correlate the findings detected by both modalities, in order to develop an effective method for diagnosis and treatment of different forms of eridometrial pathology. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of estrogen treatment on the endometrium of women using pogestational injectable contraceptive [Depo-provera] [R]and complaining of irregular uterine bleeding using: Clinical assessment, transvaginal ultrasound and studying endometrial samples by: The ordinary light microscope and the scanning electron microscope. In this study 30 women using depo provera as a contraceptive method and all of them complaining of irregular uterine bleeding were randomly categorized into 2 groups; group A included 15 cases who received estriolfor 3 months, and group B included 15 cases who received Diosmine for the same period. Both groups were subjected to endometrial sampling by an out patient pippelle before and after treatments then the endometrial tissues were examined by the ordinary light microscope and the scanning electron microscope, results were then tabulated and statistically analyzed using the standard statistical tests. Microscopic examination of-the endometrial biopsies from all women receiving depot inedroxyprogesterone acetate revealed variable degrees of endo, netrial atrophy. The glandular architecture was cystic in cases and budded in the others. The glands were lined by mitotically inactive bland-looking cuboidal or flattened cells with rare pseudostratfication. The glands were embedded' in a mitotically inactive spindled stroma that exhibited varying degrees of collagenation. The ratio of glands to stroma was near one with predominant stroma. in many foci. Microscopic examination of the endometrial biopsies of the 15 patients that received Diosmine for 3 months didn't reveal any proliferative change in 12 of them and only weak prohferative changes were noted in 3 of them. All atrophic endometria examined with the SEM revealed inconsistency in cell size and shape, cellular loss and separation, infrequency of ciliated cells and absence of uterodomes. Epithelial surface was usually flattened, with cells often displaying raised cell borders; Microvillous cells were thinly populated with very low, blebbed microvilli. Afew to moderate number of glands with large openings were observed. Pitted cells were observed in 2 of the specimens that were treated with Diosmine. Number of injections and time lapse since the last injection had a role in the endometrial changes but age, gravidity and parity had no role. Depotmedroxyprogesterone acetate [DMPA] is one of the most effective hormonal iontraceptive methods used by women in reproductive age to prevent pregnancy. Discontinuation of DMPA is mainly due to menstrual irregularities including unpredictable bleeding or spotting; this bleeding is mainly due to endometrial atrophy. Estriol is considered the friendly estrogen and can he used in treatment of vaginal bleeding during DMPA use by changing the endometrium front vrophic to prolfirative so it causes building up of a new endometrium without evident side effects Endometriutn either under effect of DMPA or estriol is easy to be studied by combined scanning electron microscopy and ordinary light microscopy cfter endometrial sampling by outpatient pipelle

Estudio histomorfológico comparativo del endometrio de ovejas prepúberes de razas de distinta prolificidad / Comparative histomorphological study of prepuberal ewe endometrio of different prolificity races

El objetivo del presente estudio fue sentar bases morfológicas para realizar análisis inmunocitoquímicos e hibridación in situ de la presencia y distribución de receptores de estrógeno y progesterona en ovejas de distinta prolificidad y en distintos planos de nutrición, centrando nuestro interés en el endometrio por su relevancia en los mecanismos reproductivos. Se utilizaron ovejas prepúberes Romney Mash de alta prolificidad (n=2) y Araucanas de prolificidad standard(n=2) de las cuales inmediatamente después del sacrificio se tomaron muestras para estudio histológico del útero, oviducto y ovario. Para el análisis histológico los cortes fueron teñidos con Hematoxilina-Eosina, Van Giesson, Arteta y Ácido Periódico de Schiff (P.A.S.). Los resultados mostraron en las dos razas adecuado desarrollo endometrial, con ßreas carunculares e intercarunculares glandulares bien desarrolladas indispensables estas últimas para una buena implantación y crecimiento del embrión. Las glándulas, numerosas, eran tubulares, tortuosas, algo ramificadas y se extendían hasta el miometrio. No se observaron diferencias histológicas significativas entre ambas razas ni cambios morfológicos durante el transcurso de los días 93 al día 117 post natal, siendo su aspecto similar al de endometrio de la oveja adulta.

The aim of the present study was to sit morphological bases for the inmumocitochemical and hybridazion in situ study of the presence and distribution of estrogen and progesterone receptors in sheep of different prolificity and in different nutrition plane, centering our interest in the endometrium for its relevance in the reproductive mechanisms. We used sheep prepuberal Romney Mash of high prolificity (n=2) and Araucanian of standard prolificity(n=2) Immediately after slaughter uterine tissue was taken for histhological study from uteri , oviduct and ovary. Cross sections were stained with Hematoxilina-eosina, Van Giesson, Arteta and Periodic Acid of Schiff (P.A.S.). The results showed in both races a good endometrial development, with caruncular and glandular intercaruncular glandular areas well defined, the later necessary for embryo implantation and growth the numerous, tubular, coiled, glands, extend to the miometrium. No significant histological differences were observed between both races neither morphological changes between days 93 to 117 of post natal life, being their aspect similar to the endometrium of mature sheep

[ effects of lead on the ultrastructure of uterine endometrium of immature Balb/c mice]

Study of the effects of lead on the ultrastructure of uterine endometrium. In this study 40 female Balb/c mice with the age of one week were divided into two control and experimental groups. The experimental group were daily injected intraperitoneally 75 microgram per gram of lead nitrate dissolved in physiological serum for two weeks. The mice of control group were received only physiological serum. After the end of the injection period, the mice were anesthetized and dissected, then their uterus were removed and divided into small pieces and transferred into karnovsky solution, After ward they were processed for electron microscope and prepared semithin and ultrathin sections, morphometry on electron micrographs were carried out by point counting and also the number of stromal cells in 50 fields of light microscope were counted too, the data was analyzed with SPSS software and student's T-Test. The endometrium epithelial cells in experimental group in comparison to control one had vacuoles inside the cytoplasm and volume fractions of nucleus to cell and mitochondria to cell were statistically different P<0.05 and also the mean number of the stromal cells had increased [P<0.05]. The entrance of the lead to the body from living environment in different ways can have adverse effects on the uterine endometrium

[ changes of alpha v, beta 3, alpha 4, beta 1 integrins expression and osteopontin their ligands in murine estrous cycle]

Considering the importance of integrin molecules in the implantation and lack of sufficient information in the expression pattern of these molecules in various phases of estrous cycle. It seemed to be necessary to investigate these molecules in mouse endometrial during the various phases of oestrous cycle. Female NMRI mice [n=15] aged 6-8 weeks were studied. Various phases of estrous cycle including: proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus were determined by vaginal smear. The mice were sacrificed [at least 3 per each phase] by cervical dislocation and the tissues were obtained from the middle 1/3 part of their uterine horns at each phase then the cryosections at thicknesses between 8-10 micro were obtained. Then the immunohistochemistry were done for integrins of alpha4, beta1, alphav, beta3 and their ligand osteopontine. The integrins were expressed only in the metestrous phase of oestrous cycle in the different locations of mouse endometrium. The positive reactions were observed for alphav, alpha4 and beta3 in the apical and basal membrane of glandular epithelium. Also the positive reaction for beta1 was found in surface and glandular epithelium as well as stroma. The osteopontin expression was seen in the apical membranes of surface and glandular epithelium and was not seen in other locations. It seems that expression of integrins in endometrium is based on their role in the implantation, therefore the molecules alpha4, beta1 and OPN that are expressed on the surface epithelial may be involve in the adhesion of cell to cell and integrins of alphav, beta3 that are expressed in the glandular

Modified vaginal smear cytology the determination of the rat estrous cycle phases, versus ordinary papanning electron microscopic examination of the endometrium

The short length of the rat estrous cycle makes them ideal for investigation of changes occurring during the reproductive cycle. The estrous cycle lasts for 4 days and is characterized as proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus, The present study tried to modify a rapid cytological technique for analysis of the vaginal smear and compared it to the routine gynaecological stain [Papanicolaou, in an attempt to provide Fesearchers with a fast and practical way for the determination of the rat estrous cycle phases. Vaginal smears of 20 albino rats were collected. Half of the sin ears were stained by technique. A [using Methylene blue] while the other half was stained by technique B [Papamzicolaou stain]. The results were further verified by both light and scanning electron microscopic examination of the endometrium. The present study realized that staining of vaginal smear by the Papanicolaou stain [technique B] relatively took longer time, while Methylene blue stain [technique A] was less time consuming, and could be easily applied in daily settings; requiring only slides, one stain and a microscope. Based on scanning electron microscopic examination of the endometrial surface, the morphologic changes peaked at estrus and diestrus phases. During estrus phase, the cells showed smooth membrane projections and depressions, hence giving the cell surface an uinblicated appearance. The so called "Pinopodes" which were considered as accurate markers for endometrial receptivity and their detection might be of high clinical utility in the preparation of endomnetrium before embryo transfer. On the other hand, during diestrus phase, the endomnetrial surface appeared flat and structurless with only some clusters of detaching apoptotic cells. In conclusion, SEM appeared to be a precious tool not only for estrous stage determination, and quantification of apoptosis but also, for monitoring endometrial maturation and timing for embryo transfer. Moreover, the present study proved that, vaginal smears stained with Methylene blue could be a good rapid method for assuring endometrial phases

[ ultrastructural effects of superovulatory drugs on mouse endometrial basement membrane]

The endometrial basement membrane has a major role in implantation of embryo. Studies have recently shown that the rate of successful implantation in stimulatory cycles is less than in normal cycle due to detrimental effect of superovulatory drugs on endometrium. To investigate the effect of stimulatory drugs on ultrastrucures of mouse endometrial basement membrane. The endometrial samples were obtained form 30 naturally pregnant mice [control group] and 30 syperovulated mice [experimental group] at the time of implantation [120 h after hCG injection]. Induced with PMSG [10 IU] and hCG [10 IU]. The specimens were processed for electron microscopic studies. Qualitative [based on electron density] and quantitative [thickness of basement membrane] studies were performed on micrographs. The data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney statistical test]. The qualitative observation of the case group revealed a well developed RER, increased number of mitochondria and high electron density of basement membrane. The quantitative data demonstrated that the thickness of basement membrane and lamina densa were significantly increased in the case group compared with control group [0.283 +/- 0.0777, 0.158 +/- 0.00827 vs. 0.239 +/- 0.0082, 0.155 +/- 0.0111, P< 0.05]. It can be concluded that superovulation drugs may lead to low implantation rate by changing the endometrial basement membrane

Sensibilidade e especificidade da histerossonografia nas afecções endometriais em mulheres assintomáticas pós-menopausa / Sensitivity and specificity of hysterosonography in endometrial abnormalities in asymptomatic postmenopausal women

OBJETIVOS: 1) Estimar sensibilidade e especificidade da histerossonografia nas afecções endometriais, utilizando-se como padrão-ouro a histeroscopia diagnóstica; 2) comparar concordância entre a ultra-sonografia, a histerossonografia e a histeroscopia através do índice de Kappa (K). MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas 50 mulheres assintomáticas após menopausa, todas tinham suspeita de afecções endometriais pela ultra-sonografia transvaginal e, por isso, complementaram avaliação endometrial com a histerossonografia, a histeroscopia diagnóstica e a biópsia orientada. Para comparação dos resultados entre esses exames utilizou-se índice de Kappa. RESULTADOS: Afecções endometriais mais freqüentes: pólipos (58 por cento), sinéquias (20 por cento), mioma submucoso (12 por cento) e espessamento endometrial (6 por cento). Cavidade normal (4 por cento) dos exames histeroscópicos. A sensibilidade da histerossonografia para diagnóstico de pólipo foi de 89,7 por cento; a especificidade de 81 por cento e o (K) de 71,1 por cento. Para sinéquia a sensibilidade foi de 80 por cento, a especificidade 100 por cento e o (K) de 86,5 por cento; para mioma submucoso: a sensibilidade foi de 83,3 por cento; a especificidade de 97,7 por cento e o (K) de 81,1 por cento e para espessamento endometrial a sensibilidade foi de 33,3 por cento, a especificidade de 89,4 por cento e o (K) de15,5 por cento. CONCLUSÕES: A histerossonografia apresentou ótima concordância com a histeroscopia para sinéquias e miomas submucosos; boa concordância para pólipo e péssima concordância para espessamentos endometriais. Revelou-se, também, tratar-se de método simples, eficiente e que pode ser utilizado para a avaliação da cavidade uterina em mulheres após menopausa.

effect of progesterone after ovarian hyperstimulation on the ultrastructure of mouse endometrium during preimplantation period

The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and ultrastructural changes of mouse endometrium by daily injection of progesterone, after ovarian hyperstimulation during preimplantation period. Material and NMRI mice, 6-10 weeks old, were initially hyperstimulated using hMG and hCG injection and then daily progesterone injection was performed subcutaneously [1 mg/mouse], thereafter they were mated artificially. 3.5 days after hyperstimulation, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation and the samples were obtained from 13 middle part of uterine horns. Specimens were also obtained from naturally and artifically impregnated control groups. The samples were devided and processed for light [H and E, PAS] and electron microscopic studies. Our results indicated that, daily injection of progesterone after hyperstimulation decreased the height of the epithelium. In the experimental group several fat droplets were seen in the basal part of epithelium. Also intercellular spaces were decreased decidualization was not seen. Results show that daily injection of progesterone after hyperstimulation altered the ultrastructure of endometrial epithelium which resulted in inhibition of decidualization reaction and can affect the uterine receptivity during implantation

Endometrial histological changes observed by light and electron microscopy among norplant Ousers

Endometrial biopsies were taken from 40 women attending the Fertility Care Unit [FCU], Mansoura University Hospitals who were using Norplant for more than 6 months, thirty cases were complaining of menstrual disturbances and ten were regularly menstruating, Endometrial biopsies were also taken from 10 women attending the FCU and asking for IUCD insertion with no previous use of any hormonal therapy in the last six months and these cases were considered as control. Endometrial biopsies were subjected to light and electron microscopical examination to identify the ultrastructural changes of the endometrium among Norplant users aiming at better understanding of the mechanism of bleeding that occur in some Norplant users. Regressive to atrophic, suppressed and hyperplastic changes were observed in the endometrium of Norplant users complaining of irregular bleeding. It was found that Norplant induces alteration in the ultrastructure of endometrial cells, as gaping areas in the basement membrane, defective ciliogenesis, and irregularity of epithelium including necrosis and denudation. Moreover, endothelial hypertrophy of small blood vessels, and loss of the epithelium of the uterine lumen exposing blood vessels in the underlying stroma were also observed, especially among Norplant users with abnormal uterine bleeding. These endometrial ultrastructural changes may explain the mechanism of bleeding and hence can be a helpful guidance to the best therapeutic modality of abnormal bleeding in some Norplant users

ultrastructural study of human luminal endometrid cells follaoing different doses of oestrogen replacement therapy

The effects of different doses of oestrogen on the endometrium of women with premature ovarian failure have been examined in this study. Four groups of women of reproductive age were studied; 1 normal fertile controls 2. patients given a standard, variable hormone replacement therapy [HRT] 3. A group given a fixed daily dose of 1 mg of oestrogen and 4. Endometrial diposises were taken at about 5-6 days after ovulation and tissue was prepared for light and electron microscopy. Morphometry was used to evaluate quantitatively various features of endometrial luminal epithelial cells. The volume fraction [Vv] of nucleus to cell in the standard group was significantly larger than the 4 mg group. The Vv of euchromatin to nucleus was larger in the controls and 4 mg group than the 1 mg subjects. The Vv of mitochondria to cell was largest in the control group. The ratio of desmosomes to surface membrane was increased [P< 0.05] in the 1 mg subjects. These results suggest that, while standard HRT is generally a good mimic of controls, the 1 mg fixed dose delayed some membrane features and the fixed 4 mg group showed advancement in some organelle growth

Histological study of the human endomerial glands in the basal plate and during endometrial hyperactivity

The aim of this investigation is to study the histological difference in the endometrial glands in the basal plate and during endometrial hyperactivity and consequently the probable cause of endometrial bleeding associated with endometrial hyperactivity. Basal plate specimens were obtained after informed consent form 4 patients undergoing caesarean section at full term. Endometrial hyperactivity specimens were obtained after informed consent form 4 patients aged 40-50 years complained of uterine bleeding. The specimens obtained by curette biopsies. The specimens from the basal and hyperactive endometrium were carefully dissected and processed for light and electron microscope examination. Light microscopic examination of the basal endometrium sections revealed that; the endometrium was thin with decreased endometrial tissues, the endometrial glands were few, dilated and adjacent to the myometrial muscle layer. They were lined by single layer of cuboidal epithelium resting on a basement membrane with deeply stained nuclei and basophilic cytoplasm. The stroma in between the glands contains few cells with deeply stained nuclei. Electron microscope examination of the basal endometrium revealed that; the endometrial glands were lined by cuboidal epithelium resting on a clear basement membrane with central rounded nuclei, lipid droplets and scattered mitochondria. Their apical surface showed short microvilli. The stromal cells of the endometrium appeared with heterochromatic nuclei. Light microscopic examination of the sections of the hyperactive endometrium revealed thick endometrium with abundance of endometrial tissues with many normal and enlarged glands of different sizes and shapes. The glands were lined by several layers of slightly enlarged tall columnar cells, with oval deeply stained basophilic nuclei. Electron microscope examination of hypcractive endometrium revealed the endometrial glands were lined with one or two layers of simple columnar epithelium with basal oval or rounded nuclei. The epithelium contained two types of cells: light and dark cells with many mitochondria of different shapes. Also junctional complexes were noticed between the lateral borders of columnar cells. They were rested on a clear basement membrane. The columnar cells were appeared with long and dense apical microvilli and occasionally cilia. The stromal cells appeared with euchromatic nuclei and some leucocytes were also noticed. The endometrial structure differs greatly from the basal plate to hyperactive state. These results assist the pathologists to differentiate between endometrial hyperactivity and atypical endometrial hyperplasia which may be a pre malignant condition

Estudo histológico e ultra-estrutural da camada epitelial do endométrio de ratas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) submetidas ao alcoolismo crônico experimental / Histological and ultrastructural study of the epithelial layer of the uterine endometrium of rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism

As alteraçöes morfológicas da camada epitelial do endométrio de ratas submetidas ao alcoolismo crônico experimental foram analisadas por meio de técnicas histológicas, ultra-estruturais e morfométricas. Sessenta ratas adultas (Rattus norvegicus albinus), de mesma idade (3 meses) e peso corpóreo médio de 228 g, foram divididas em dois grupos experimentais. Um grupo controle recebeu dieta sólida (raçäo Purina) e água de torneira "ad libitum". O outro grupo, denominado de alcoólico, recebeu a mesma dieta sólida e aguardente de cana diluída a 30º Gay Lussac (v/v). Ao final de 90, 180 e 270 dias de tratamento, os animais em estro foram anestesiados com éter-etílico, pesados e fixados. O peso corpóreo final foi similar ao dos grupos controle e alcoólico. Os resultados histológicos mostraram atrofia severa do epitélio de revestimento do endométrio do corno uterino nos animais do grupo alcoólico. A atrofia se caracterizou, principalmente, pela diminuiçäo do citoplasma dessas células. Ocorreram importantes alteraçöes ultra-estruturas no epitélio desses animais alcoolizados, tais como: intenso acúmulo de gotas lipídicas citoplasmáticas, dilataçöes das cisternas do retículo endoplasmático granular, presença de neutrófilos intra-epiteliais e mitocôndrias edemaciadas. A atividade secretora foi aparentemente reduzida. As análises morfométricas confirmaram a atrofia epitelial, mostrando que os animais alcoolizados possuem área do citoplasma e do núcleo menores e, também, perímetro do citoplasma e do núcleo menores quando comparados ao dos animais do grupo controle. Dessa forma, conclui-se que o álcool age como uma toxina na camada epitelial do endométrio uterino de ratas.

Ultrastructure of human endometrium in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding having normal light microscopic findings

The ultrastructure of endometrial biopsies from 20 women suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding and diagnosed as being histologically normal by light microscopy were studied by transmission electron microscopy. The gl and cells showed enlarged mitochondria and defect in the development of nucleolar channel system. The blood vessels exhibited early degenerative changes of endothelial cells and focally disrupted areas of basement membrane. Open junction between endothelial cells were frequently observed; thus, electron microscopic examination revealed that vessel damage plays a major role in dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Delay in maturation of some gl and cells with consequent delay in healing resulting in prolonged bleeding was suggested as another factor. It was concluded that in endometria of women suffering from dysfunctional uterine bleeding, electron microscopy might reveal structural abnormalities not revealed by ordinary light microscopy. The clinical impact of those observed electron microscopic changes needs further elucidation

Hallazgos histopatológicos de biopsias endometriales en puerperio normal

Objetivos: Se trata de describir los cambios histopatológicos encontrados en biopsia de endometria en pacientes en puerperio normal y compararlos con los pacientes con infección puerperal. Material y Métodos: se tomaron 15 pacientes en puerperio clínicamente normal para practicarles biopsia de endometrio en los días décimo, vigésimo y trigésimo post-parto. Cuyo parto había sido atendido en el Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital de San José entre enero y junio de 1992. El otro grupo de pacientes está constituido por 15 pacientes con diagnóstico de infección uterina puerperal. Resultados: Los hallazgos histopatológicos de los dos grupos de pacientes no difieren. En ambos grupos se encuentra necrosis e infiltrado inflamatorio agudo determinado por la presencia de plasmocitos, macrófagos y polimorfonucleares neutrófilos. Al igual de grados variables de depósitos de fibrina y decidua necrótica. Como reporte patológico final tenemos en todas las pacientes:"endometritis subaguda post-parto" y "Endometritis aguda post-parto" a los diez y veinte días del parto. Al día trigésimo se encuentran diversos grados de endometrio proliferativo. Conclusión: Es imposible determinar por histopatología el diagnóstico de endometritis post- parto ya que los hallazgos al microscopio no aprtan parámetros de diferenciación. El diagnóstico se establece por clñínica y paraclínica