Effects of oral contraceptives on zinc and copper levels in human plasma and endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

Effects of Ovulen-21, Demulen, Enovid-E and Ovral on zinc and copper levels in human plasma and endometrium during the menstrual cycle have been studied. Both plasma and endometrium copper levels were significantly elevated above the control values (P less than 0.001) in women taking oral contraceptives while the zinc levels remained reasonable constant.

Fallopian tube and ovarian hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons of the human ovary and Fallopian tube have been studied by temperature-programmed gas chromatography. The major compounds present are a series of n-alkanes (C16 to C40), with the addition of iso and anteiso hydrocarbons. The human ovary and Fallopian tube hydrocarbons did not show significant changes during the menstrual cycle.

Cytologic findings in female and male offspring of DES treated mothers.

Data on vaginal, cervical, and endocervical samples and urine specimens of 84 female offspring exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero and 43 controls have been presented. The colposcopic and histopathologic findings were correlated with the cytologic findings. Our preliminary findings indicate that the cytologic technique is reliable as screening test for vaginal epithelial changes in the DES-exposed females provided the sampling procedure is adequate. In 79 male patients, 42 DES-exposed and 37 controls, the pre-massage urine, the prostatic fluid, the post-massage urine and aspirate of cysts of the epididymis when existing were examined by cytologic techniques. No tumor cells were found in the cytologic specimens of the exposed and unexposed male and female offspring.

Follow-up study of male and female offspring of DES-treated mothers a preliminary report.

This is a follow-up study of male and female offspring of mothers who were part of a double-blind placebo controlled investigation during the years 1951-1952, originally aimed at determining the usefulness of DES administration in maintaining pregnancy. So far, 84 DES-exposed females, 43 female controls, 42 DES-exposed males and 37 male controls have been examined. Circumferential ridges of the vagina and cervix were seen in 39% of the DES-exposed females but in none of the controls. Colposcopy revealed vaginal epitheleal changes in 78% of the DES-exposed females 2% of the female controls. Cytology proved to be reliable as a screening test for vaginal epithelial changes in the DES-exposed female. Urine cytology was negative for tumor cells in all patients. The main abnormal finding in the DES-exposed males was that cysts in the epididymis were detected in 10%. No cases of cancer were observed in either the male or female offspring.

PIP: The original study conducted 22 years earlier at the Chicago Lying-in Hospital attempted to determine the value of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in maintaining pregnancy. The number completing the course of therapy was 840 in the DES group; there were 860 in a control group. Increasing doses were given beginning during the 7th week of pregnancy. The present study was to determine the level of risk of cancer and other anomalies in the female and male offspring of mothers who participated in the study. So far, 84 DES-exposed females, 43 female controls, 43 DES-exposed males, and 37 male controls have been examined. No cases of cancer have been found. The average age was 22 years. For female patients the medical history, a general physical examination, a gynecological examination, a colposcopic study, and laboratory tests were made. Laboratory tests consisted of cervical, endocervical, and 4 vaginal wall Pap smears, urine cytology, and follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone determinations. Biopsies were performed when indicated. Progesterone and total estrogens were determined only in patients with irregular menstrual cycles. In male patients, a general physical examination, urologic studies, and laboratory work-up were done. Medical records of all the newborn infants were surveyed and pediatric records examined. No cases of congenital malformations were recorded. Minor differences in menstrual histories and in ability to conceive were noted. The differences appeared mainly at vaginal examinations. Circumferential ridges in the vagina and cervix were seen in 39% of the exposed females but in none of the controls. Erythroplakia of the cervix was seen in 67% of the exposed and in 53% of the controls. Colposcopic findings in the vagina revealed vaginal epithelial changes in 78% of the DES-exposed females and 2% of female controls. Iodine negative areas in the vagina were noted in 78% of the exposed females compared with 2% of the unexposed females. Iodine negative areas on the cervix were seen in 74% of the exposed and 58% of the unexposed. All dysplastic lesions were confirmed by histology. The cytology was negative in all. In the males abnormal findings were noted mainly in the DES-exposed group. An undersized penis was noted in 2, small testes in 2, varicocele in 1, and epididymal cysts in 4. Urine cy tology and prostatic fluid cytology did not reveal unusual findings. A more detailed analysis of findings will follow when material is larger and older.

Levels of prostaglandins F-2alpha and E-2 in human endometrium during the menstrual cycle.

A comparison between the prostaglandins found in proliferative and secretory endometrium in normal and tumor-bearing tissues is reported. The content of prostaglandins F-2alpha and E-2 is related to the three phases of the menstrual cycle and correlates with cyclic ovarian hormone variations. The menstrual phase is characterized by a high content of PGF-2alpha. High prostaglandin levels are found in tissues from patients with pathologic diseases such as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium when compared to normal tissues.

PIP: The levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) during a normal human menstrual cycle and in tumor-bearing endometrium were compared. Study subjects were 30 women of reproductive age who were undergoing surgery for benign gynecologic disease. Each uterus showed no pathologic or histologic disease and was the source of the normal endometrial study tissue. Another group of 12 patients with known gynecologic malignancy (adenocarcinoma of the endometrium) served as the source of tumor-bearing endometrial tissue which was taken from the extirpated uteri. The specimens were obtained from women in the early and late proliferative phases and early and late luteal phases of the menstrual cycle as well as at menstruation. The weights of the endometrium biopsy specimens were in the range of 1-3 grams. The content of PGF2alpha and PGE2 was related to the 3 phases of the menstrual cycle and correlated with cyclic ovarian hormone variations. The menstrual phase was characterized by a high content of PGF2alpha. High prostaglandin levels were found in tissues from patients with pathologic diseases such as adenocarcinoma of the endometrium when compared to normal tissues. The most significant finding was the high prostaglandin content of the endometrium at menstruation and the dominance of PGF2alpha over PGE2.

A light and electron microscopic study of the perifollicular region of the rat ovary during the estrous cycle.

PIP: Vaginal smears were taken daily from 27 rats 4-6 months of age to determine the stages of the estrous cycle. The ovaries were removed surgically, and 1 ovary was used for electron microscopy and the other for histochemical studies. The perifollicular region was defined as that space between the granulosa cells and the theca interna and was characterized by a basement membrane, reticular fibers, amorphous material, and fibroblasts. Variations were noted in this region during the estrous cycle. In early estrus, fibers and amorphous material were present, but at the time of ovulation fibroblasts replaced these fibers. These changes in the structure of the perifollicular region during the estrous cycle probably give mechanical support to the follicle during its development. It was suggested that their structure is hormone sensitive.^ieng