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1.
Diagn Cytopathol ; 45(2): 179-181, 2017 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27863182

ABSTRACT

When evaluating a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear, the cytology of the squamous epithelial cells is of utmost importance. This is what cytopathologists use to render a diagnosis, ranging from normal to atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) to high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, or even squamous cell carcinoma. However, occasionally the pathologist will run into microscopic noncellular material as in our case, such as corpora amylacea on the slides, or even uncommon viral inclusions such as Molluscum contagiosum (MCV). When these less common entities make their way on to a cervical Pap smear, it is important not only to correctly recognize them, but to understand their clinical implications as well. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2017;45:179-181. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Subject(s)
Atypical Squamous Cells of the Cervix/pathology , Molluscum Contagiosum/pathology , Vaginal Smears , Adult , Amyloid , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Female , Humans , Papanicolaou Test
2.
PLoS One ; 11(6): e0158338, 2016.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27362256

ABSTRACT

Human cervicovaginal mucus (CVM) is a viscoelastic gel containing a complex mixture of mucins, shed epithelial cells, microbes and macromolecules, such as antibodies, that together serve as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Here, to investigate the affinity between IgG and different mucus constituents, we used Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) to measure the diffusion of IgG in fresh, minimally modified CVM. We found that CVM exhibits substantial spatial variations that necessitate careful selection of the regions in which to perform FRAP. In portions of CVM devoid of cells, FRAP measurements using different IgG antibodies and labeling methods consistently demonstrate that both exogenous and endogenous IgG undergo rapid diffusion, almost as fast as in saline, in good agreement with the rapid diffusion of IgG in mid-cycle endocervical mucus that is largely devoid of cells. This rapid diffusion indicates the interactions between secreted mucins and IgG must be very weak and transient. IgG also accumulated in cellular debris and shed epithelial cells that had become permeable to IgG, which may allow shed epithelial cells to serve as reservoirs of secreted IgG. Interestingly, in contrast to cell-free regions of CVM, the diffusion of cell-associated IgG was markedly slowed, suggesting greater affinity between IgG and cellular constituents. Our findings contribute to an improved understanding of the role of IgG in mucosal protection against infectious diseases, and may also provide a framework for using FRAP to study molecular interactions in mucus and other complex biological environments.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/immunology , Epithelial Cells/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/metabolism , Biological Transport , Cell-Free System , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Epithelial Cells/cytology , Female , Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching , Humans , Vagina/cytology , Vagina/immunology
3.
Surg Technol Int ; 27: 184-90, 2015 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26680394

ABSTRACT

This postcoital sperm assessment study was performed over a 10 month time period (November 2014-August 2015). Fifteen couples enrolled in the study. The study was a non-blinded, non-randomized, single-center comparison study comparing The Stork® OTC (Rinovum Women's Health, Monroeville, PA) to natural intercourse (NI), using the subjects as their own control/baseline. This was an efficacy study designed to compare the number of sperm in the cervical mucus following the use of The Stork OTC conception aid with the number of sperm in the cervical mucus following natural intercourse. Subjects used both The Stork OTC conception system and the natural intercourse method to evaluate concentrations of sperm in the cervical mucus. Post-coital test (PCT) data was collected demonstrating higher concentrations of sperm within the cervical mucus with The Stork OTC conception system versus natural intercourse for 85% of test subjects in this study. Of the 15 couples enrolled in the study, 2 were lost to follow-up. Mean age for male subjects was 31.7 +/ 5.4 years of age and mean age for female subjects was 29.7+/- 5.4. The average sperm score value of the 85% of test subjects with higher sperm concentrations from The Stork OTC was 3.23 times the score value of sperm concentration compared to natural intercourse. The remaining 15% of test subjects showed no change in sperm score value between The Stork OTC and natural intercourse.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Coitus/physiology , Reproductive Techniques, Assisted/instrumentation , Spermatozoa/cytology , Spermatozoa/physiology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Young Adult
4.
Clin Chim Acta ; 438: 309-15, 2015 Jan 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-25218787

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive methods to assess the foetal genome during pregnancy will provide new opportunities to offer pregnant women a more comprehensive genetic diagnosis of their established foetus. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and frequency of foetal cells in transcervical cell (TCC) mucus samples from pregnant women and determine their suitability for early prenatal diagnosis. METHODS: Syncytiotrophoblasts in aspirated TCC mucus samples were identified by immunostaining with the foetal-specific antibody NDOG1. Genetic analysis of foetal cells was performed by laser capture microdissection and quantitative fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR). RESULTS: In 116 of 207 (56%) TCC samples, abundant syncytiotrophoblasts were retrieved. However, when TCC samples were stratified for the presence of chorionic villous fragments, syncytiotrophoblasts were identified in 85 of 109 (78%) samples. Significant numbers of syncytiotrophoblasts were found in TCC samples collected between 6 and 9weeks of gestation (mean 741, range 25-2884). QF-PCR analysis of NDOG1 positive syncytiotrophoblasts and matching maternal DNA confirmed their foetal origin and correct foetal cell sexing was achieved in 97% of TCC samples. The one discordant sex diagnosis was associated with a dizygotic dichorionic twin pregnancy resulting from the implantation of a female T21 embryo and a normal male embryo, where the female T21 foetus had succumbed at 6weeks of gestation and was vanishing. CONCLUSIONS: Syncytiotrophoblasts can be successfully isolated from TCC samples and represent a suitable source of cells for genetic analysis of the established foetus in early pregnancy. The study highlights a vanishing twin as a potential cause for discordant non-invasive prenatal test results.


Subject(s)
Aborted Fetus , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Fetus/chemistry , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Sex Determination Analysis/methods , Trophoblasts/metabolism , Adult , Female , Fetus/pathology , Gestational Age , Humans , Male , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Trophoblasts/pathology , Twins, Dizygotic
5.
Georgian Med News ; (225): 27-31, 2013 Dec.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24423671

ABSTRACT

The present study investigated the possibility of using trophoblastic (fetal) cells in cervical mucus of pregnant women with complicated reproductive history to predict the course of early I trimester of pregnancy. We examined 86 women at 5-6 weeks of gestation, 56 of them with normal pregnancy, 12 with missed abortion, 18 with tubal pregnancy. As a control we used 21 non-pregnant womеn with primary infertility. Trophoblastic cells we detected by immunohistochemical method and then counted. It was revealed that in the normal course of early I trimester transcervical trophoblastic cells were detected in 4 times more likely than in missed abortion and 5 times more often than in women with tubal pregnancy. In women of the control group, who never had pregnancies, trophoblastic cells were not detected. Thus, the determination of the number of transcervical trophoblastic cells can be used in the complex diagnosis of pathological course of I trimester of pregnancy in women with complicated reproductive history.


Subject(s)
Pregnancy Trimester, First , Prenatal Diagnosis , Reproductive History , Trophoblasts/pathology , Abortion, Missed , Adult , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Female , Humans , Macrophages/pathology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy, Tubal
6.
J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr ; 59(2): 134-40, 2012 Feb 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-22067666

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the 3% StarPharma LTD 7013 gel (VivaGel) on mucosal immune markers hypothesized to be associated with HIV-1 acquisition. DESIGN: Phase 1, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial was performed in 54 young women in the United States and Kenya. Participants used carbopol gel with and without (placebo) StarPharma LTD 7013 twice daily over 14 days. Cervical specimens were collected for cytokines, chemokines, T cells, and dendritic cells at days 0, 7, 14, and 21. A negative binomial regression model was used to assess differences between study arms. RESULTS: Several mucosal immune parameters were increased in the VivaGel arm compared with placebo. For cytokines D7, IL-6 (P = 0.05); D 14, interferon gamma (P = 0.03), IL-2 (P = 0.04), IL-5 (P = 0.003), and IL-10 (P = 0.001) were increased. On D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells tended to be increased (P < 0.08); limiting analysis to visits without blood or bacterial vaginosis, these findings were stronger as follows: at D7, CD8+/CD69+ T cells were increased in the VivaGel arm (P < 0.005), as were CD4+/CD69+ cells (P = 0.001) and CD4+/CCR5+ T cells (P = 0.01). The changes described for D7 and 14 were no longer seen at D21. CONCLUSIONS: Markers associated with inflammation and epithelial damage were reversibly elevated in the VivaGel arm compared with the placebo arm after 7-14 days of twice daily product use.


Subject(s)
Anti-Infective Agents/administration & dosage , Cervix Mucus/immunology , Polylysine/adverse effects , Administration, Intravaginal , Adult , Anti-Infective Agents/pharmacology , Biomarkers/metabolism , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Chemokines/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , Dendrimers , Dendritic Cells/cytology , Double-Blind Method , Female , Gels/pharmacology , Humans , Kenya , Polylysine/administration & dosage , Regression Analysis , T-Lymphocytes/cytology , United States
7.
Reprod Domest Anim ; 46(4): 602-7, 2011 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21198968

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of intrauterine infusion with liquid paraffin (LP) on phagocytic migration into the uterus of cows. Smears of swab samples of the external os of the cervix and discharges collected inside the vagina were obtained in multiparous dairy cows (n = 10) that had been infused with 50 ml of LP (LP group: n = 5) or physiological saline (PS group: n = 5) on day 10 or 11 after ovulation (day 0: ovulation). The samples were collected for cytological examination 0 (just before), 0.25, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h after LP or PS infusion and then at daily intervals until subsequent ovulation. The number of neutrophils increased significantly (p < 0.05) for 8 days compared with the pre-infusion level in the LP group and for 2 days in the PS group. The average numbers of neutrophils in the LP group were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those in the PS group on 3, 4, 5 and 8 days after infusion. The number of monocytes from 6 h to 8 days after LP infusion was significantly higher than that before infusion (p < 0.05). The average numbers of monocytes at 4 and 6 h and 1 day after infusion in the LP group were significantly higher than those in the PS group. These findings indicate that LP stimulates phagocytic migration into the uterine lumen in cows and that LP infusion into the uterus might enhance uterine defence mechanisms during uterine infection.


Subject(s)
Cattle , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Mineral Oil/pharmacology , Phagocytes/drug effects , Uterus/cytology , Uterus/drug effects , Animals , Cell Movement , Drug Administration Routes , Female , Mineral Oil/administration & dosage , Phagocytes/cytology
8.
Fertil Steril ; 90(4): 1201.e19-22, 2008 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18778819

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe two cases of infertile sisters who are compound heterozygote carriers of the cystic fibrosis (CF) DeltaF508 and R117H/7T mutations and who were found to have significantly abnormal cervical mucus. DESIGN: Case reports and review of literature. SETTING: Infertility practice based in an academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Two sisters (ages 34 and 42), compound heterozygote carriers of CF mutations, who presented with involuntary infertility. INTERVENTION(S): The partners of both patients tested negative for CF. The evaluation of both sisters did not indicate other causes of infertility aside from advanced maternal age in the 42-year-old patient. Both sisters underwent natural-cycle intrauterine insemination. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy conception. RESULT(S): The 34-year-old patient has subsequently conceived twice through natural-cycle inseminations. CONCLUSION(S): This is the first reported case of infertility due to a cervical mucus factor in a patient who is a compound heterozygote of the DeltaF508 and R117H/7T mutations. This case is important not only because of the distinct phenotypic abnormality seen with specific CF mutations but also because of the associated genotype.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics , Infertility, Female/genetics , Infertility, Female/pathology , Loss of Heterozygosity/genetics , Uterine Cervical Diseases/pathology , Adult , Female , Fertilization in Vitro , Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Humans , Infertility, Female/therapy , Live Birth , Mutation , Pregnancy , Siblings , Treatment Outcome , Uterine Cervical Diseases/genetics
9.
Am J Reprod Immunol ; 57(2): 142-6, 2007 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17217368

ABSTRACT

PROBLEM: Sperm immobilizing antibodies often interfere with the penetration of sperm through the cervical mucus. However, the relationship between sperm immobilizing antibody titer and the result of the post-coital test (PCT) has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the 50% sperm immobilization unit (SI50) titer, a quantitative measure of sperm immobilizing antibody, in patients' sera was correlated with the result of PCT. METHOD OF STUDY: The sperm immobilization test (SIT) was performed for 2834 infertile women in two university hospitals. The SI50 titers were evaluated by quantitative SIT. In some cases with sperm immobilizing antibody, PCT was carried out before ovulation and assessed according to the criteria of World Health Organization (1992). Infertile couples with abnormal semen characteristics were excluded. RESULTS: Seventy-four of 2834 women had sperm immobilizing antibodies in their sera, giving a positive rate of 2.6%. Twenty-four (77.4%) of 31 women with sperm immobilizing antibodies and 28 (20.4%) of 137 women without the antibody had abnormal PCT results. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.0001). When patients with sperm immobilizing antibodies were divided into two groups according to the SI50 titers, the abnormal result of PCT was obtained in all 10 patients with high (>10) SI50 titers, while that was 14 (66.7%) in 21 patients with low (10) SI50 titers. There was a significant difference between the two groups (P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The SI50 titer in the serum can predict inhibitory effects on sperm migration through cervical mucus in immunologically infertile women. Evaluation of the SI50 titers in patients' sera seems to be useful for decision-making in infertile women with sperm immobilizing antibodies regarding whether they have the possibility of conceiving by timed intercourse.


Subject(s)
Antibodies/blood , Cervix Mucus/immunology , Infertility, Female/immunology , Spermatozoa/immunology , Antibodies/immunology , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Female , Humans , Infertility, Female/blood , Male , Sperm Motility/immunology , Sperm Transport/immunology
10.
Theriogenology ; 67(3): 598-604, 2007 Feb.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17055562

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study was to examine cytological changes of cervical mucus following the induction of estrus with intra-vaginal drug release (CIDR) devices in dairy cows. Sixty healthy Holstein Frisian cows, averaging 80 (+/-10) days post-partum, were selected from a commercial dairy farm around Shiraz. Cows in the control group were synchronized by the Ovsynch protocol. Cows in the second group (OV+CIDR) were subjected to the same Ovsynch protocol but in addition were administered a progesterone-releasing CIDR. Cows in the third group (OV+S-CIDR) were subjected to Ovsynch procedures but received the skeleton of a CIDR device, which did not release progesterone. Cows in the fourth group (E2+CIDR) received a progesterone releasing CIDR but were injected with estradiol benzoate. Cows in group 5 (E2+S-CIDR) received a CIDR skeleton and estrodial benzoate. CIDR devices were removed from cows in groups 2-4 and all cows were injected with PGF2alpha on day -3. Blood samples and cervical mucus discharges were collected from all cows on days -10, -3, 0 and 12 relative to AI. On the day of AI, the mean+/-S.D. percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher (p<0.05) in the S-CIDR+OV and S-CIDR+E2 groups than in Ovsynch group. Comparing the percentage of neutrophils in cervical mucus of Ovsynch group (less than 1%) with that of other treatment groups on the day of AI (from 5 to 39%) revealed the influential effect of a CIDR device on the reproductive tract. Results of the current study did not reveal hormonal effects but did identify mechanical effects of CIDRs on cell percentages in cervical mucus. The hormonal effects were probably masked by mechanical effects. Therefore, we were not able to confirm hormonal effects on proportions of different cells in cervical mucus. Consequently, additional research on hormonal effects and the mechanical effects of CIDR on the uterus is required.


Subject(s)
Cattle/physiology , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Cervix Mucus/physiology , Estradiol/analogs & derivatives , Estrus Synchronization , Progesterone/blood , Administration, Intravaginal , Animals , Cervix Mucus/drug effects , Contraceptive Agents/administration & dosage , Contraceptive Agents/pharmacology , Dairying , Drug Carriers/administration & dosage , Drug Carriers/adverse effects , Drug Carriers/pharmacology , Epithelial Cells/drug effects , Epithelial Cells/physiology , Estradiol/administration & dosage , Estradiol/blood , Estradiol/pharmacology , Female , Neutrophils/drug effects , Neutrophils/physiology , Progesterone/administration & dosage , Progesterone/pharmacology , Progestins/administration & dosage , Progestins/pharmacology
11.
Akush Ginekol (Sofiia) ; 46(8): 26-7, 2007.
Article in Bulgarian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-18642552

ABSTRACT

The aim of our research work was to evaluate if the way of taking material influence the quality of the Pap smear test. 2300 patients were examined by taking Pap smear test for 7 years period from 2000 till 2007. In 1000 patients endocervical brush /Cytobrush/ was used and after that Ayre spatula for taking ectocervical material. In 1300 patients Ayre spatula was used first and after that endocervical brush applied. The number of the Pap smears contaminated with blood, the Pap smears without endocervical component and the Pap smears with bad fixation were examined. There were more contaminated with blood pap smears in the group where endocervical brush was used first /156 patients vs 100, p = 0.004/. There was no significant difference in the number of bad fixated pap smears, the "thick" pap smears, the inflamated Pap smears in both groups. The quality of the technique for taking pap smears when Ayre spatula is used first and after that endocervical brush is better than the reverse way of obtaining cytological material from the cervix. With this technique we find more squamous intraepithelial lesions.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus , Papanicolaou Test , Vaginal Smears , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Female , Humans , Sensitivity and Specificity , Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/pathology , Vaginal Smears/instrumentation , Vaginal Smears/methods , Vaginal Smears/standards
12.
Article in Russian | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17144556

ABSTRACT

Low-intensity laser impact on the main effector functions of the cervical secretion neutrophils in females suffering from Chlamidia infection has been studied. Dysfunction of neutrophil granulocytes of the cervical secretion was revealed. This manifested in the decreased number of phagocytes and lower rates of phagocytosis. The study of cervical secretion neutrophils has found that the content of active intracellular forms of oxygen was decreased in patients compared to healthy subjects. Low-intensity laser stimulated not only phagocytosis but also intracellular generation of active oxygen forms. Thus, low-intensity laser eliminates dysfunction of cervical secretion neutrophils.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/immunology , Chlamydia Infections/therapy , Low-Level Light Therapy , Neutrophils/radiation effects , Uterine Cervicitis/microbiology , Uterine Cervicitis/therapy , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Chlamydia Infections/drug therapy , Chlamydia trachomatis/isolation & purification , Combined Modality Therapy , Female , Humans , Immunity/radiation effects , Neutrophils/immunology , Phagocytosis/radiation effects , Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism , Uterine Cervicitis/drug therapy
13.
J Obstet Gynaecol Res ; 31(6): 500-7, 2005 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16343249

ABSTRACT

AIM: The presence of fetal cells in the endocervical mucus of pregnant women was first reported in 1971. The uterine cavity is patent during the first trimester prior to fusion of amnion and chorion. Fetal cells from degenerating chorion frondosum are theoretically shed into the uterine cavity between seven and 13 weeks' gestation and are trapped in the transcervical mucus; they can be identified by immunohistochemistry. METHOD: Ninety-nine transcervical mucosal plugs from pregnant women of between 7 and 13 weeks before abortion were collected, fixed, embedded, sectioned and stained with monoclonal antibody of cytokeratin-7 (CK-7) by immunohistochemistry. RESULT: The identification of trophoblasts on each slide was defined according to positive staining and histologically chorionic villous similarity under microscopic examination, using the following five categories: none (1), less than five single positive-stained cells per-section (2), more than five single positive-stained cells per-section (3), clumps of positive-stained cells (4), and histological-like intact or fragmented chorionic villi (5). From amongst 71 samples that qualified for analysis, individual slides were evaluated and categorized into three groups, with the following results: 32 (45.1%) fell into group 1 (category 1) denoting a negative result, 10 (14.1%) fell into group 2 (category 2) indicating a possible positive result and 29 (40.8%) fell into group 3 (any combination of categories 3-5) representing a positive result. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal cells, identified by CK-7, can be found in more than 59.2% of the transcervical mucus in early pregnancy by use of a minimally invasive sampling method. Prenatal diagnosis of single-gene or chromosome disorders may be possible in the pregnant transcervical mucus by use of modern molecular methods and they deserve further study.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Cervix Mucus/metabolism , Fetus/cytology , Fetus/metabolism , Keratins/metabolism , Abortion, Induced , Antibodies, Monoclonal , Female , Humans , Immunohistochemistry , Keratin-7 , Keratins/immunology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First , Prenatal Diagnosis , Suction , Trophoblasts/cytology , Trophoblasts/metabolism
16.
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand ; 84(8): 734-42, 2005 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16026397

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To characterize the potential for adaptive immune protection in cervical mucus plugs with respect to immunoglobulin isotypes and effector cells (phagocytes). METHODS: Thirty-one cervical mucus plugs were collected from healthy women in labor at term. The cervical mucus plugs were allocated either to analysis of immunoglobulins by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), gel chromatography and Western blotting (n = 20) or to microscopical, including immunocytochemical, analyses. The levels of immunoglobulin in the plugs were compared to the levels in 10 samples of ovulatory cervical mucus from nonpregnant women. RESULTS: In the cervical mucus plugs, levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG) [median 3270 microg/mL (100-14 500)] and IgA [540 (22-2820)], but not IgM [30.5 (1.0-160)], were significantly elevated compared to cervical mucus from nonpregnant women (p < 0.02 for IgG and IgA). The IgG : IgA ratio in the plugs was also elevated (p < 0.02). The proportion of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) relative to total IgA in the plugs ranged from 16 to 65% (n = 5). IgA and IgG were largely intact. Microscopically, the vagina-proximal part of the cervical mucus plugs contained bacteria and was rich in cells, mainly phagocytes. Conversely, the uterine part contained few cells. CONCLUSION: The high immunoglobulin levels in combination with the presence of phagocytes suggest a potential for adaptive immune defense in the cervical mucus plug, which, together with innate immune factors, may act as an immunological gatekeeper protecting the fetomaternal unit against infection from the vagina.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/immunology , Immunoglobulins/immunology , Phagocytes/cytology , Pregnancy/physiology , Blotting, Western , Case-Control Studies , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Female , Humans , Immunity, Maternally-Acquired , Immunoglobulin A/immunology , Immunoglobulin G/immunology , Immunoglobulin M/immunology , Immunoglobulins/analysis , Infant, Newborn , Parity , Sampling Studies
17.
J Electron Microsc (Tokyo) ; 54(5): 479-84, 2005 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16006441

ABSTRACT

Two main types of cervical mucus have been described during the menstrual cycle: oestrogenic and progestative. Each category shows diverse morphological and functional features from the reproductive point of view. Traditionally, this change has been approached by analysing morphological patterns. In fact, a mesh model has been described for cervical mucus, structurally composed of fibrillar subunits with a parallel orientation, together with another model in a characteristic network shape with canalicular units, but the real model is not clear. The objective of our work was to study the different morphological structures of the mucus, as related to the day of follicular rupture (considered as day 0) determined by ultrasound. Cervical mucus samples were obtained from the cervical canal with an ASPIRETTEtrade mark from day -4 to day +1 of the menstrual cycle. Samples were fixed and dried by critical point. The ultrastructure was examined with scanning electron microscopy. The presence of three types of oestrogenic and one type of progestative cervical mucus was confirmed in this period. Our paper shows different types of ultrastructure in the oestrogenic mucus in relation to ovulation, which would help to understand the interaction between male gametes and cervical mucus in migration through the female genital tract.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Cervix Mucus/metabolism , Estradiol/metabolism , Female , Humans , Male , Menstrual Cycle , Microscopy, Electron, Scanning , Ovulation , Progesterone/metabolism , Semen/cytology , Semen/physiology , Sperm Motility
18.
BJOG ; 112(5): 595-600, 2005 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15842283

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To develop a reliable method to isolate fetal cells for genetic diagnosis. DESIGN: Aspiration of cervical mucus from pregnant women in the first trimester. SETTING: Pregnant women were recruited before an elective termination of pregnancy. POPULATION: Sixty pregnant women (7-10 weeks of gestation). METHODS: Fetal cells were isolated from aspirated cervical mucus of pregnant women using a combination of enzymatic digestion, fluorescent immunohistochemistry, micromanipulation and single-cell DNA allelic profiling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The isolation and identification of fetal cells. RESULTS: The transformation of the tenacious cervical mucus into a single-cell suspension enabled the isolation and identification of fetal cells by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Confirmation of fetal origin was accomplished by single-cell DNA allelic profiling alongside known maternal cells. CONCLUSIONS: This novel non-invasive method is rapid and efficient with results attainable within 24 hours as early as seven weeks of gestation. The technique would offer earlier reassurance and the option of first trimester therapeutic abortions to both high and low risk pregnant women.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Fetus/cytology , Prenatal Diagnosis/methods , Trophoblasts/cytology , Chromosome Disorders/diagnosis , Cytogenetic Analysis/methods , DNA/analysis , DNA Fingerprinting/methods , Female , Fluorescent Antibody Technique , Genetic Testing/methods , Humans , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Trimester, First
19.
Aust N Z J Obstet Gynaecol ; 45(6): 529-32, 2005 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16401223

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of sexing fetal cells isolated from cervical mucus. Immunopositive cells identified using a fetal-specific antibody were isolated and subjected to genetic analysis. Fetal sex was predicted in all 22 samples, as confirmed by analysis of the corresponding placental tissue. This study validates the accuracy of our test for sex diagnosis and confirms the ability to effectively recover and analyse fetal cells from the cervical mucus during early pregnancy.


Subject(s)
Cervix Mucus/cytology , Fetus/cytology , Sex Determination Analysis/methods , Adult , Female , Gestational Age , Humans , In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence , Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods , Pregnancy , Risk Factors , Sampling Studies , Sensitivity and Specificity
20.
Contraception ; 70(3): 227-31, 2004 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-15325892

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: C31G is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent that shows contraceptive properties in vitro. This postcoital testing study evaluated the ability of three C31G concentrations, 0.5%, 1.0% and 1.7%, administered as a 3.5-mL dose of a vaginal gel to prevent sperm from entering mid-cycle cervical mucus. Irritation of the genitalia and acceptability were also assessed. METHOD: At baseline, a mid-cycle cervical mucus test and a postcoital test were performed within 24 h of each other without use of any study products to establish normal mid-cycle cervical mucus and sperm penetration. Subjects then completed up to three test cycles using one of the three concentrations of study product during intercourse. RESULTS: Twenty-two of the 61 women enrolled completed a baseline cycle and at least one test cycle. An average of 14.6 progressively motile sperm per high power field was seen at baseline. This was reduced to 0.3 after use of 0.5% C31G, 0.5 after use of 1.0% C31G, and 0.4 after use of 1.7% C31G. There was no significant difference between test products (p >/= 1.000) but each test product was significantly different from baseline (p < 0.002). Very little genital irritation was observed. There were more reports of leakage and messiness with increasing C31G concentration. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that all three concentrations of C31G are likely to give reasonable results in a contraceptive effectiveness trial. Based on the results of this and other trials, the 1.0% concentration has been selected for further development, including Phase III trials of contraceptive effectiveness.


Subject(s)
Betaine/analogs & derivatives , Betaine/administration & dosage , Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/administration & dosage , Sperm Motility/drug effects , Spermatocidal Agents/administration & dosage , Vagina/drug effects , Adult , Betaine/adverse effects , Betaine/pharmacology , Cervix Mucus/cytology , Cervix Mucus/drug effects , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Double-Blind Method , Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/adverse effects , Fatty Acids, Unsaturated/pharmacology , Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Spermatocidal Agents/adverse effects , Spermatocidal Agents/pharmacology
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