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Myometrium
Kinds of Myometrium Selected AbstractsPotassium Channels in the Human MyometriumEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Raheela N. Khan The contractility of the human uterus is under the fine control of a variety of interacting bioactive agents. During labour, the excitability of the uterus is drastically transformed in comparison with the non-labour state and is manifest at the membrane level via the acivity of uterine ion channels. This article reviews the contribution of potassium (K+) channels to human uterine excitability. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Antigen-presenting Cells in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Human MyometriumAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Marina Ivanisevic Citation Ivanisevic M, Segerer S, Rieger L, Kapp M, Dietl J, Kämmerer U, Frambach T. Antigen-presenting cells in pregnant and non-pregnant human myometrium. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 188,196 Problem, Inflammatory cells play a crucial role in human parturition. Different populations of leucocytes invade the reproductive tract. Numerous studies have described the decidual immune cell population in pregnant and non-pregnant endometrium. However, little is known about the presence of immune cells in human myometrium. Method of study, We herein analysed a spectrum of immune cells in human myometrium comparing tissue samples from non-pregnant (n = 8) and pregnant (n = 10) uteri. Applying immunohistochemistry with a panel of antibodies specific for T cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, B cells and antigen-presenting cells (CD4, CD8, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD56, CD68, CD83, HLA-DR, DC-Sign, mast cell tryptase), we characterized the immune cell population of human myometrium. Results, A significantly higher number of CD14, CD15, CD16, DC-SIGN as well as CD4-positive cells were found in myometrium of pregnant compared to non-pregnant uteri, while mast cells were significantly reduced in pregnant myometrium. Conclusion, All markers found increased in pregnant myometrium indicate monocyte/macrophage lineage cells and thus suggest a possible involvement of these cells in healthy pregnancy maintenance. Monocytes/macrophages might produce a microenvironment that permits a controlled invasion of trophoblast cells into the myometrium while preventing a rejection of the semiallogenic conceptus and providing an important barrier against invading pathogenes. [source] Poor uterine contractility in obese womenBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2007J Zhang Objective, The aim of the study was to elucidate the reason for the high rate of caesarean section in obese women. We examined the following hypotheses: (1) obese women have a high incidence of complications related to poor uterine contractility,caesarean section for dysfunctional labour and postpartum haemorrhage. 2) The myometrium from obese women has less ability to contract in vitro. Design, First, a clinical retrospective analysis of data from 3913 completed singleton pregnancies was performed. Secondly, in a prospective study the force, frequency and intracellular [Ca2+] flux of spontaneously contracting myometrium were related to the maternal body mass index. Setting, Liverpool Women's Hospital and University of Liverpool. Population, The clinical study involved all women who delivered in one hospital in 2002. The in vitro study myometrial biopsies were obtained from 73 women who had elective caesarean section at term. Results, Maternal obesity carried significant risk of caesarean section in labour that was highest for delay in the first stage of labour (OR 3.54). The increased risk of caesarean section in obese women largely occurred in women with normal- and not with high-birthweight infants. Obese women delivering vaginally had increased risk of prolonged first stage of labour and excessive blood loss. Myometrium from obese women contracted with less force and frequency and had less [Ca2+] flux than that from normal-weight women. Conclusions, We suggest that these findings indicate that obesity may impair the ability of the uterus to contract in labour. [source] The role of arginine vasopressin in human labour: functional studies, fetal production and localisation of V1a receptor mRNABJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 1 2002S. Thornton Objective To investigate labour-associated changes in: 1. the myometrial contractile response to arginine vasopressin compared with oxytocin in vitro 2. fetal production of arginine vasopressin and 3. myometrial vasopressin V1a receptor mRNA. Design The contractile response to vasopressin (compared with oxytocin) was investigated in paired myometrial strips in vitro. Blood was taken from the umbilical artery and vein at delivery and arginine vasopressin measured by radio-immunoassay. V1a receptor mRNA was determined by in situ hybridisation. Results Myometrium was more sensitive to arginine vasopressin than oxytocin (P <0.05 for frequency, amplitude and activity integral in paired strips) after, but not before labour. There was a marked umbilical arteriovenous difference in arginine vasopressin concentration at delivery suggesting fetal production which was not influenced by labour. Myometrial vasopressin V1a receptor mRNA was not increased after the onset of labour. Conclusions The human uterus is extremely sensitive to arginine vasopressin in vitro. Arginine vasopressin is produced by the fetus but fetal formation is not increased during labour. [source] Activin ,A -subunit and activin receptors in human myometrium at term and during labourBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 8 2001Michal Schneider-Kolsky Objective To measure activin A content and to localise and semi-quantitate activin receptors in human myometrium at term and during labour. Design Myometrium was collected from non-pregnant women (n= 6), pregnant women at term not in labour (n= 6) and at term in labour (n= 6). Setting Monash Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia. Main outcome measures Tissue lysates of myometrium were analysed for activin A content using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and activin receptor proteins IA, IIA and IIB using Western hybridisation. Activin ,A -subunit and activin receptors were localised in myometrium by immunohistochemistry. Results Activin A was detected by ELISA in non-pregnant, pregnant and labouring myometrium. Levels were significantly higher in labouring myometrium. The three activin receptors IA, IIA and IIB were detected in all myometrial samples by Western hybridisation. Receptor IA was expressed in significantly higher levels in pregnant myometrium. Receptor IIA was very weakly expressed throughout. The expression of receptor IIB was similar in all three groups. Activin ,A -subunit and all three receptors were localised to the endothelial cells of myometrial blood vessels. Neither activin ,A -subunit nor any of the three activin receptors were immunolocalised to myometrial smooth muscle cells in the three groups. This result was confirmed by Western blotting for expression of activin receptors in isolated myometrial smooth muscle and microvascular endothelial cells. Conclusion The myometrium is not a target for activin A during late pregnancy or labour. However, activin A may have a role in the regulation of microvascular endothelial cell function in the myometrium. [source] Contractility of the myometrium; the rationale for pharmacological intervention in preterm labourEXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 6 2001Mats Åkerlund No abstract is available for this article. [source] Regulation of Human Myometrial Contractility During Pregnancy and Labour: Are Calcium Homeostatic Pathways Important?EXPERIMENTAL PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2001Rachel M. Tribe If we are to develop new strategies for the treatment and management of preterm and dysfunctional term labour, it is imperative that we improve current understanding of the control of human uterine activity. Despite many studies of animal pregnancy, there is a paucity of knowledge relating to the complex control of human myometrium during pregnancy. It is hypothesized that human myometrium is relatively quiescent during the majority of pregnancy and that as term approaches there is cascade of molecular events that prepare the uterus for labour. This review will consider the cellular mechanisms involved in the regulation of human myometrial activity and the modulation of these by hormonal and mechanical signals. In particular, the contribution of calcium homeostatic pathways to the control of human myometrial contractility during gestation will be discussed. [source] HMGA2 and the p19Arf -TP53-CDKN1A axis: A delicate balance in the growth of uterine leiomyomas,GENES, CHROMOSOMES AND CANCER, Issue 8 2010Dominique Nadine Markowski Pathogenetically, uterine leiomyomas (ULs) can be interpreted as the result of a monoclonal abnormal proliferation of myometrial cells. Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is a frequent phenomenon in premalignant lesions that leads to a growth arrest mainly by the activation of two potent growth-inhibitory pathways as represented by p16Ink4a and p19Arf. The relevance of OIS for the development of UL has not been addressed, but HMGA2, encoded by a major target gene of recurrent chromosomal abnormalities in UL, has been implicated in the repression of the Ink4a/Arf (CDKN2A) locus. This prompted us to examine if HMGA2 contributes to the growth of leiomyomas by repressing this locus. Contrary to the expectations, we were able to show that generally ULs express significantly higher levels of p19Arf mRNA than myometrium and that UL with 12q14,15 rearrangements showed higher expression levels than UL with other cytogenetic aberrations. Furthermore, the finding of a significant correlation between the expressions of p19Arf and CDKN1A shows that p19Arf triggers senescence rather than apoptosis in UL. Furthermore, the expression levels of HMGA2, p19Arf, and CDKN1A were found to be correlated with the size of the tumors, indicating that an enhanced growth potential is counterbalanced by the p19Arf pathway. Mechanistically, the UL may thus execute a program already present in their cell of origin, where it is activated to protect the genome, for example, in the case of enhanced proliferation. In summary, the results identify the p19Arf -TP53-CDKN1A pathway as a major player in the growth control and genomic stability of uterine fibroids. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean section scar treated with intramuscular methotrexate and bilateral uterine artery embolizationJOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 2 2008Erin L. Hois BSc Abstract We report a case of an ectopic pregnancy implanted in the myometrium at the site of a scar from a previous cesarean section that presented with vaginal bleeding and was successfully treated with bilateral uterine artery embolization and intramuscular administration of methotrexate. The combination of minimally invasive interventional techniques and medical therapies can preserve fertility. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2008 [source] Sealed-off spontaneous perforation of a pyometra diagnosed preoperatively by magnetic resonance imaging: A case reportJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2010Jonghyun Kim MD Abstract : Spontaneous perforation is a very rare complication of pyometra. The clinical findings of perforated pyometra usually mimic perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases a correct diagnosis can be made only by laparotomy. In our case, the patient's pyometra was sealed and she complained only of mild abdominal pain and showed no signs of peritonitis. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) findings were not suggestive of uterine rupture. However, T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a full thickness defect of the myometrium. We discuss the CT and MRI findings that confirmed a correct diagnosis of perforated pyometra. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2010;32:697,699. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Feasibility of diffusion-weighted MRI for defining placental invasionJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2009Satoru Morita MD Abstract The purpose of this clinical note is to describe the feasibility of using diffusion-weighted imaging for diagnosing placental invasion with a case of placenta increta and six cases without it. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at a b-value of 1000 sec/mm2 can clearly define the border between the placenta and myometrium because only the placenta shows very high signal intensity. The corresponding image at a b-value of 0 sec/mm2 shows the myometrium with high signal intensity compared with the surrounding fat. Therefore, fusion of the two images can be used additionally to visualize thickness of the myometrium. As a result, DWI can be used to visualize the focal thinning of the myometrium caused by placenta increta, which has been difficult to diagnose on conventional magnetic resonance imaging sequences without contrast enhancement. However, the use of DWI for placental invasion should be determined following careful consideration of its risks and benefits, as fetus safety has not been established. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:666,671. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Comparison of conventional fast spin echo, single-shot two-dimensional and three-dimensional half-fourier RARE for T2-weighted female pelvic imagingJOURNAL OF MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING, Issue 3 2004Hiroshi Sugimura MD Abstract Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of the three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE sequence in comparison with single-shot two-dimensional half-Fourier RARE and conventional fast spin echo (FSE) for female pelvic imaging. Materials and Methods Imaging with all sequences was performed in 146 patients with 166 focal lesions on a 1.5-T system. The images were compared on the basis of quality, lesion conspicuity, and lesion to the uterus contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). Results The sharpness of intrapelvic organs on the three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE sequence was better than that on two-dimensional half-Fourier RARE and worse than that on FSE. Motion-related artifacts for three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE were more frequent than those for two-dimensional half-Fourier RARE. There was no statistical difference between the three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE sequence and FSE in regard to lesion conspicuity and overall image quality. The CNR of leiomyoma to myometrium and cervical cancer to cervical stroma was the highest with three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE (P< 0.05). Conclusion The three-dimensional half-Fourier RARE sequence generates images with higher contrast and better image resolution than two-dimensional-RARE. The three-dimensional data set provided images that can be observed in any orientation without acquiring an additional scan by using the multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) method. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2004;19:349,355. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Expression of nidogens in rat uterus and embryo during decidualization and implantationJOURNAL OF MORPHOLOGY, Issue 7 2006Hakan Öner Abstract The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the expression of nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 and their possible role in decidualization and implantation events during early pregnancy in rats. The tissue samples were examined from pregnant animals between gestational days 1,8 using immunocytochemistry. The uterine luminal epithelium, the glandular epithelium, and the myometrial smooth muscle cells stained strongly from gestational days 1,8 with both nidogen antibodies. At day 4 the decidual reaction areas began to appear in the stromal matrix and immunostaining of both nidogens revealed that the basement membrane of the surface epithelium was discontinuous. The differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells was seen at gestational day 5 and both nidogens were weakly expressed in the decidualizing cells. At day 6, nidogen-2 immunoreactivity was higher in the primary decidual cells close to the embryo than nidogen-1, and during development of the decidual tissue both nidogens appeared in the endometrial stromal cells. At day 7, while expression of both nidogens declined in the primary decidual cells, their expression was markedly observed in the secondary decidual cells close to the myometrium. At day 8, expression of both nidogens was also observed to increase in the primary decidual cells. While nidogen-2 expression was seen in the parietal endoderm and primary ectoderm of the rat embryos at this developmental stage, nidogen-1 expression was only detected in the parietal endoderm. These results indicate that nidogen-1 and nidogen-2 could play important roles during embryogenesis, decidualization, and implantation in the endometrium of rat uterus. J. Morphol. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Uterine preservation in a woman with spontaneous uterine rupture secondary to placenta percreta on the posterior wall: A case reportJOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY RESEARCH (ELECTRONIC), Issue 2 2009Le-Ming Wang Abstract Several cases in which uteruses have been preserved in women with placenta percreta have been reported. We herein report a 38-year-old woman with a history of previous cesarean section who was admitted with lower abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding at 31 weeks of gestation. An urgent exploratory laparotomy revealed active bleeding from the uterine rupture on the posterior uterine wall. A female infant weighing 1560 g, with Apgar scores of 1, 1, and 3 at 1, 5, and 10 min, respectively, was delivered, and the placenta was removed. We performed bilateral uterine vessel occlusion, followed by wedge resection of the ruptured uterine wall with the aid of an intrauterine muscle injection of 20 IU oxytocin, a local injection of diluted vasopressin (1:60) into the myometrium around and into the rupture site, and an intramuscular injection of 0.2 mg methylergonovine, primary repair of the defect, and an additional 24-h postoperative oxytocin infusion (30 IU in 5% dextrose 500 mL) to preserve the uterus successfully. Although the overall blood loss was 3700 mL, no disseminated intravascular coagulopathy occurred after the patient had received adequate blood transfusion. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was placenta percreta with uterine rupture. The patient and her baby were discharged uneventfully. In some cases of spontaneous uterine rupture secondary to placenta percreta, we can preserve the uterus by performing bilateral uterine vessel occlusion and wedge resection of the ruptured uterine wall. [source] Tocolytic Effects of a Long-acting ,2 -Adrenoceptor Agonist, Formoterol, in RatsJOURNAL OF PHARMACY AND PHARMACOLOGY: AN INTERNATI ONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE, Issue 11 2000NORIHIRO SHINKAI We have assessed the tocolytic activity of formoterol, a novel long-acting and potent ,2 -adrenoceptor agonist, through its production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate, in comparison with ritodrine, a ,2 -adrenoceptor agonist used clinically to counter premature delivery. Formoterol and ritodrine inhibited the amplitude and frequency of rat uterine contraction, with IC50 values of 3.8 times 10,10 and 4.7 times 10,7 M, respectively. Intravenous administration of formoterol or ritodrine caused inhibition of uterine motility and increased heart rate in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of uterine motility by oral administration of formoterol (0.3 and 1 mg kg,1) continued for at least 60 min, whereas that with ritodrine (100 mg kg,1) persisted for 15 min with rapid recovery thereafter in pregnant rats. The ,-adrenoceptor binding of [125I]iodopindolol to the myometrium of pregnant rats was competitive with formoterol and ritodrine, with Ki values of 0.04 and 6.10 nM, respectively. Formoterol (10,6 , 10,4 M) and ritodrine (10,6 , 10,4 M) increased the level of cyclic adenosine monophosphate in lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The results suggested that formoterol caused relaxation of uterine motility through production of cyclic adenosine monophosphate. Thus, formoterol may be useful as a treatment to counter premature delivery. [source] Inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxytocin-induced contractions of isolated pregnant human myometriumACTA ANAESTHESIOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 9 2005K. Yildiz Background:, In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on oxytocin-induced contractions of isolated human myometrium. Methods:, Following delivery of the infant and placenta, a small segment of myometrium was excised from the upper incisional surface of the lower uterine segment and 20 strips, randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10), were obtained from 20 non-laboring term parturients. The study protocol consisted of a 60-min period of spontaneous contractions, control recording with oxytocin 2 × 109 m (10-min period), washout interval of 10 min, volatile administration (three times per 15-min period) of 0.5, 1 and 2 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC), response to oxytocin (10-min period), a further washout interval (10-min period) and subsequent control recording with oxytocin without anesthetics. Results:, After oxytocin administration, the frequency and amplitude of contractions increased (P < 0.05) and the duration decreased (P < 0.05). The frequency and amplitude of contractions induced with oxytocin decreased significantly at 0.5, 1 and 2 MAC of desflurane and sevoflurane (P < 0.05). The amplitude of contractions was significantly different at 1 MAC between the two groups (P < 0.05). The duration of contractions at 2 MAC decreased in both groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions:, Desflurane and sevoflurane at 0.5, 1 and 2 MAC inhibit the frequency and amplitude of myometrial contractions induced with oxytocin in a dose-dependent manner. However, desflurane inhibits the amplitude less than sevoflurane at 1 MAC. We suggest that 0.5 MAC of both agents and 1 MAC of desflurane may be safely used in the presence of oxytocin following delivery of the infant and placenta during Cesarean section without fear of uterine atony and hemorrhage. [source] Uterine lipoleiomyoma: A histopathological review of 17 casesPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2004Thida Aung Lipoleiomyoma is a rare uterine tumor. The exact frequency and proliferation activity are not yet known. This study aims to know the frequency and evaluate the relation with renal angiomyolipoma. Lipoleiomyoma cases were immunohistochemically stained by antibodies for Ki-67, melanoma specific antigen HMB45, S-100 protein, and , smooth muscle actin (,-SMA). Frequency of uterine lipoleiomyoma among ,uterine ,myomatous ,tumor ,was ,17/4904 ,(0.35%) ,in the Department of Human Pathology, Field of Oncology, Kagoshima University Graduate School database (1983,2003). Patients ranged from 45 to 74 years of age, and 10 cases were associated with leiomyoma. Six of 17 (35%) cases showed areas with renal angiomyolipoma-like vessels and atypical cellular features. Immunostaining was available in 12 cases. By Ki-67 labeling index, both muscle (average 1.38%) and fat (average 1.17%) portions of the tumor had greater proliferation than normal myometrium (average 0.76%), which suggests that fat portions of the tumor are proliferating adipose tissue rather than fatty degeneration of muscular counterpart. HMB45 antigen, which is positive in renal angiomyolipoma, was negative in three uterine cases having angiomyolipoma-like vessels (3/12). However, HMB45 antigen was positive in spindle-shaped tumor cells of three cases (3/12) which lacked angiomyolipoma-like vessels. Presence of angiomyolipoma-like blood vessels in these tumors is not an uncommon feature. However, the diagnosis of uterine angiomyolipoma should not be based on the result of HMB45 antigen immunoreactivity alone. [source] Alpha-fetoprotein producing uterine corpus carcinoma: A hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the endometriumPATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 10 2000Hiroshi Toyoda A case of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) producing endometrial carcinoma in a 60-year-old Japanese woman is presented. The patient complained of abnormal vaginal bleeding of 10 days' duration. On admission a uterine corpus mass and high serum AFP concentration (31950 ng/mL) was noted. There was no tumorous lesion in any other organ radiographically and endoscopically. Histologically, the biopsy specimen taken from the uterine mass showed a poorly differentiated endometrial carcinoma and a radical hysterectomy was subsequently performed. The postoperative serum AFP value transiently decreased with chemotherapy, however, lung metastases were found and the patient died 12 months following surgery. The resected uterus had a necrotic tumor, 6 × 5 × 4 cm in size, filling the endometrial cavity, characterized by exophytic growth with infiltration in the myometrium. Histologically, the tumor was composed of the main medullary carcinoma area with microcysts and admixed small areas of well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma, accompanied by a smooth transition with one another. In both the areas, the tumor cells had immunoreactive AFP, alpha-1-antitripsin, albumin, transferrin, carcinoembryonic antigen, CA19-9, and epithelial membrane antigen. There was no histologic evidence for a germ cell tumor. Based on these findings, this uterine corpus tumor was regarded as hepatoid variant of endometrial carcinoma. Although the histogenesis remains controversial, we assume the hypothesis that the tumor may arise in the endometrium per se in association with abnormal differentiation of muellerian duct elements. [source] A strategy for high-resolution protein identification in surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry: Calgranulin A and chaperonin 10 as protein markers for endometrial carcinomaPROTEINS: STRUCTURE, FUNCTION AND BIOINFORMATICS, Issue 7 2005Jingzhong Guo Abstract Surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry (SELDI-MS) has conventionally been practiced on linear time of flight (TOF) which has low mass accuracy and resolution. Here we demonstrate in an examination of both malignant and nonmalignant endometrial tissue homogenates that high mass accuracy and resolution in the MS stage are crucial. Using a commercially available quadrupole/TOF (QqTOF), we were able to resolve two potential cancer markers, subsequently identified off-line as chaperonin 10 and calgranulin A, that differ by 8 Da in mass. Two off-line protein identification protocols were developed: the first was based on size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), protein extraction, trypsin digestion, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-tandem MS (MALDI-MS/MS); the second on SEC and shotgun nano-liquid chromatography (nanoLC)-MS/MS. Analyses on a cohort of 44 endometrial homogenates showed 22 out of 23 nonmalignant samples had nondetectable to very low abundance of chaperonin 10 and calgranulin A; 17 of the 21 malignant samples had detectable to abundant levels of both proteins. Immunohistochemical staining of a tissue microarray of 32 samples showed that approximately half of malignant endometrial tissues exhibited positive staining for calgranulin A in the malignant epithelium, while 9 out of 10 benign tissues exhibited negative epithelial staining. In addition, macrophages/granulocytes in malignant as well as nonmalignant tissues showed positive staining. No immunostaining occurred in stroma or myometrium. Calgranulin A, in combination with chaperonin 10 and other proteins, may eventually constitute a panel of markers to permit diagnosis and screening of endometrial cancer. [source] Post-Partum Involution of the Canine Uterus , Gross Anatomical and Histological FeaturesREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009DC Orfanou Contents We aimed to study the normal puerperium in the bitch. Ovariohysterectomy was performed in nine bitches, each at a different day after normal whelping; their genital tract was subject to gross anatomical examination, as well as to histological examination and electron microscopy scanning. Corpora albicans were evenly distributed in the left and right ovaries and placental sites were evenly distributed among left and right uterine horns. Placental sites were initially of dark green to grey colour, later becoming dark brown; their length and height progressively decreased. Height of the myometrium and diameter of the uterine glands progressively decreased. Trophoblast-like cells were consistently observed at the placental sites and on the surface of the interplacental areas, at all time points where hysterectomy had been performed. It is suggested that involution of the canine genital tract can last up to 3 months and is slow. Continuous (up to D84 post-partum) presence of prominent placental sites should be considered a normal feature of canine uterine post-partum involution. [source] The Role of the Endometrium in Endocrine Regulation of the Animal Oestrous CycleREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2008T Krzymowski Contents A critical analysis of the results of research in the function of the endometrium was carried out and a view point presented. The role of the endometrium in endocrine regulation of the oestrus cycle can be summarized as follows: 1. The transfer of prostaglandin F2, (PGF2,) from the uterus to an ovary, which causes luteolysis, occurs mainly via the lymphatic pathways. 2. The system of retrograde transfer of PGs enables PGF2, and PGE2 to reach the myometrium and endometrium with arterial blood at high concentration. In the luteal phase, PGF2,, together with the increasing concentration of progesterone, constricts the arterial vessels of the uterus; in the follicular phase and in early pregnancy, PGE2 together with oestrogen and embryonic signals, relaxes the arterial vessels. In addition, this system protects the corpus luteum from premature luteolysis during the cycle and luteolysis during early pregnancy. 3. In days 10,12 of the cycle, the blood flow in the uterus decreases by 60,70% in pigs and around 90% in sheep. This causes ischaemia and local hypoxia confirmed by the presence of hypoxia inducible factor and thus remodelling of the endometrium commences. 4. The pulsatile elevations in PGF2, concentration occurring in the blood flowing out of the uterus during the period of luteolysis and the next few days, do not result from increased PGF2, synthesis as suggested in numerous studies. They are the effect of excretion of PGF2, and its metabolites together with lymph and venous blood and tissue fluids in which prostaglandin accumulates. [source] Immunohistochemical Studies on Oestrogen Receptor Alpha (ER,) and the Proliferative Marker Ki-67 in the Sow Uterus at Different Stages of the Oestrous CycleREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2003S Sukjumlong Contents In order to better understand physiological changes during the different stages of the oestrous cycle, immunohistochemistry was used in the present study to investigate the distribution of oestrogen receptor alpha (ER,) as well as the proliferative marker Ki-67, in the sow uterus during the oestrous cycle. Uterine samples were collected from multiparous sows with normal reproductive performance at selected stages of the oestrous cycle: at late dioestrus (d 17), prooestrus (d 19), oestrous (d 1), early dioestrus (d 4) and dioestrus (d 11,12), respectively. The tissue samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and subjected to immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against ER, (C-311) and Ki-67 (MM-1). In general, the immunostaining of both ER, and Ki-67 was confined to nuclei of the target cells. Variations were seen, not only at the different stages of the oestrous cycle, but also in the different tissue compartments of the uterus. In the epithelia, the strongest ER, staining and highest amount of positive Ki-67 cells were found at early dioestrus. In the myometrium, the highest levels of staining of both ER, and Ki-67 positive cells were found at pro-oestrus and oestrus. For the proliferative marker, Ki-67, no positive cells were found at dioestrus and late dioestrus in the epithelium and myometrium. In the connective tissue stroma (subepithelial layer), the highest number of ER, positive cells were found at oestrus, which was significantly different compared with other stages (p,0.05), whereas the levels of Ki-67 positive cells were relatively low and did not differ between the stages examined. Significant correlations between the number of ER, positive cells in the stroma and Ki-67 positive cells in the epithelia were observed. This suggests indirect regulatory mechanisms on epithelial proliferation via ER, in the stroma. In conclusion, these findings in the sow uterus show that the presence of ER, as well as Ki-67 protein varies not only between different stages of the oestrous cycle but also between different tissue compartments of the uterus. These findings indicate various regulatory mechanisms and stress the importance of localising ER, and proliferating cells in different uterine tissues. [source] Luteal Deficiency and Embryo Mortality in the MareREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 3-4 2001WR Allen Four separate components combine to produce the progesterone and biologically active 5,-reduced pregnanes needed to maintain pregnancy in the mare. The primary corpus luteum (CL) is prolonged beyond its cyclical lifespan by the down-regulation of endometrial oxytocin receptors to prevent activation of the luteolytic pathway and its waning progesterone production is supplemented from day 40 of gestation by the formation of a series of accessory CL which develop in the maternal ovaries as a result of the gonadotrophic actions of pituitary FSH and the equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG). From around day 100 the allantochorion secretes progesterone and progestagens directly to the endometrium and underlying myometrium and, in the last month of gestation, the enlarging foetal adrenal gland secretes appreciable quantities of pregnenelone which is also utilized by the placenta to synthesize progestagens. Between 10 and 15% of mares undergo foetal death and abortion at some time in gestation and the majority of these losses occur during the first 40 days of gestation when the primary CL is the sole source of progesterone. Yet, all the available evidence suggests that untoward luteolysis is not common in this period and the losses that do occur have other underlying causes. Beyond day 40 the secondary CL receive powerful luteotrophic support from eCG and from day 80,100 until term the supply organ (placenta) and target tissues (endometrium and myometrium) are in direct contact with each other over their entire surface. In the face of this interlocking and failsafe system for progestagen production throughout pregnancy, and despite a paucity of evidence that a deficiency of progesterone production is a cause of pregnancy loss in the mare, it is surprising, and worrying, that annually many thousands of pregnant mares throughout the world are given exogenous progestagen therapy during part or all of their gestation as a form of preventative insurance against the possibility of pregnancy failure. Basic investigative research is required urgently to validate or debunk the practice. [source] ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Antigen-presenting Cells in Pregnant and Non-pregnant Human MyometriumAMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2010Marina Ivanisevic Citation Ivanisevic M, Segerer S, Rieger L, Kapp M, Dietl J, Kämmerer U, Frambach T. Antigen-presenting cells in pregnant and non-pregnant human myometrium. Am J Reprod Immunol 2010; 64: 188,196 Problem, Inflammatory cells play a crucial role in human parturition. Different populations of leucocytes invade the reproductive tract. Numerous studies have described the decidual immune cell population in pregnant and non-pregnant endometrium. However, little is known about the presence of immune cells in human myometrium. Method of study, We herein analysed a spectrum of immune cells in human myometrium comparing tissue samples from non-pregnant (n = 8) and pregnant (n = 10) uteri. Applying immunohistochemistry with a panel of antibodies specific for T cells, monocytes, natural killer cells, B cells and antigen-presenting cells (CD4, CD8, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD19, CD56, CD68, CD83, HLA-DR, DC-Sign, mast cell tryptase), we characterized the immune cell population of human myometrium. Results, A significantly higher number of CD14, CD15, CD16, DC-SIGN as well as CD4-positive cells were found in myometrium of pregnant compared to non-pregnant uteri, while mast cells were significantly reduced in pregnant myometrium. Conclusion, All markers found increased in pregnant myometrium indicate monocyte/macrophage lineage cells and thus suggest a possible involvement of these cells in healthy pregnancy maintenance. Monocytes/macrophages might produce a microenvironment that permits a controlled invasion of trophoblast cells into the myometrium while preventing a rejection of the semiallogenic conceptus and providing an important barrier against invading pathogenes. [source] Depletion of membrane cholesterol eliminates the Ca2+ -activated component of outward potassium current and decreases membrane capacitance in rat uterine myocytesTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 2 2007A. Shmygol Changes in membrane cholesterol content have potent effects on cell signalling and contractility in rat myometrium and other smooth muscles. We have previously shown that depletion of cholesterol with methyl-,-cyclodextrin (MCD) disrupts caveolar microdomains. The aim of this work was to determine the mechanism underlying the increase in Ca2+ signalling and contractility occurring in the myometrium with MCD. Patch clamp data obtained on freshly isolated myocytes from the uterus of day 19,21 rats showed that outward K+ current was significantly reduced by MCD. Membrane capacitance was also reduced. Cholesterol-saturated MCD had no effect on the amplitude of outward current suggesting that the reduction in the outward current was due to cholesterol depletion induced by MCD rather than a direct inhibitory action of MCD on the K+ channels. Confocal visualization of the membrane bound indicator Calcium Green C18, revealed internalization of the surface membrane with MCD treatment. Large conductance, Ca2+ -sensitive K+ channel proteins have been shown to localize to caveolae. When these channels were blocked by iberiotoxin outward current was significantly reduced in the uterine myocytes; MCD treatment reduced the density of outward current. Following reduction of outward current by MCD pretreatment, iberiotoxin was unable to produce any additional decrease in the current, suggesting a common target. MCD treatment also increased the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous rises in cytosolic Ca2+ level ([Ca2+]i transients) in isolated myocytes. In intact rat myometrium, MCD treatment increased Ca2+ signalling and contractility, consistent with previous findings, and this effect was also found to be reduced by BK channel inhibition. These data suggest that (1) disruption of cholesterol-rich microdomains and caveolae by MCD leads to a decrease in the BK channel current thus increasing cell excitability, and (2) the changes in membrane excitability produced by MCD underlie the changes found in Ca2+ signalling and uterine contractility. [source] Immunohistochemical Localization of the Progesterone and Oestrogen , Receptors in the Uterine Horns of the African Giant Rat (Cricetomys gambianus)ANATOMIA, HISTOLOGIA, EMBRYOLOGIA, Issue 6 2009M.-C. Madekurozwa Summary The present study investigated the immunolocalization of the progesterone and oestrogen , receptors in the uterine horns of the African giant rat during the oestrous cycle. The progesterone and oestrogen , receptors were demonstrated in various cellular constituents of the endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. The intensity of progesterone and oestrogen , receptor immunostaining in the endometrial and myometrial layers of the uterine horns varied during the oestrous cycle. The intensity of oestrogen , receptor immunoreactivity in the luminal epithelium was high during pro-oestrus, oestrus and dioestrus. Progesterone and oestrogen , receptor immunoreactivity in the endometrial epithelia was absent during metoestrus. Moderate to strong immunostaining for the progesterone and oestrogen , receptors was demonstrated in the myometrial smooth muscle cells during pro-oestrus, oestrus and dioestrus. The intensity of progesterone and oestrogen , receptor immunostaining in the myometrial smooth muscle cells was low during metoestrus. Stromal cells in the perimetrium consistently expressed progesterone and oestrogen , receptor immunoreactivity throughout the oestrous cycle. The findings of the study indicate that in the giant rat the immunolocalization of the progesterone and oestrogen , receptors, in endometrial and myometrial regions of the uterine horns, varies during the oestrous cycle. [source] Synchronous granular cell tumor of the bladder, endometrial carcinoma and endometrial stromal sarcomaASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY, Issue 1 2006Yasuhiko KIYOZUKA Abstract We describe a very rare case of synchronous granular cell tumor of the bladder, endometrial carcinoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma. A 55-year-old woman with a 4-month history of genital bleeding was cytologically diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. Imaging studies suggested concomitant bladder tumor with the possibility of direct invasion from endometrial carcinoma. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and transurethral resection of bladder tumor was performed. The bladder tumor comprised polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic, finely granular cytoplasm, separated by collagenous tissue. Neither nuclear pleomorphism nor tumor necrosis was found. Immunohistochemical expression of neural markers of neuron-specific enolase and S-100 allowed the diagnosis of granular cell tumor (GCT) of the bladder. Microscopic examination of endometrium revealed endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation (EAC). Ill-defined nodular lesion comprising endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) was accidentally found in myometrium. Postoperatively, the patient underwent radiotherapy. This is the first well-documented case of synchronous triple tumors comprising GCT of the bladder, uterine EAC and ESS. [source] Magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of deep endometrial invasion for patients with endometrial carcinomaAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2009Jong Ha HWANG Aims: To evaluate the value of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the detection of deep myometrial invasion. Methods: The patient group consisted of 53 women with endometrial cancer who underwent preoperative workup, including MRI, and surgical staging between August 1999 and August 2008 at Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea. The pathological data from surgical staging were compared with the preoperative MRI results. Results: The mean age of the patients was 51 years and most patients had endometrioid cancer. On pathological evaluation of the myometrium, 20.8% had a deep myometrial invasion. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of MRI in detecting deep myometrial invasion were 50.0%, 89.7%, 79.2%, 63.6% and 83.3%, respectively. Evaluation of MRI findings and tumour grades by preoperative biopsy had a sensitivity and specificity of 88.9% and 87.5%, respectively, with a kappa of 0.764. Conclusion: In patients with endometrial cancer, MRI is limited in its ability to detect deep myometrial invasion. The combination of MRI findings and tumour histology or grade can be helpful in determining if lymphadenectomy is necessary. [source] Clinical utility of magnetic resonance imaging and the preoperative identification of low risk endometrial cancerAUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 5 2004Giovanni LOSCO Abstract Background:, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is reported to offer the best imaging of local disease in endometrial cancer. We audited MRI scans to identify their clinical utility, particularly in the preoperative identification of ,low risk' endometrial cancer (grade one or two endometrioid tumours confined to the inner half of the myometrium). Aim:, To correlate histological and MRI findings and to establish our ability to preoperatively identify women with ,low risk' tumours. Study design:, A retrospective audit of MRI scans in women with a new diagnosis of endometrial cancer from July 1998 to November 2002. Radiology and pathology reports and surgical staging data were extracted. Independently a team of radiologists reviewed MRI films and the findings were compared to pathology. Results:, Thirty-nine patients were included. Only 10% of original reports contained all the clinically relevant information. On review, the sensitivity for the detection of myometrial invasion was 90%, specificity 71%, positive predictive value (PPV) 93% and negative predictive value (NPV) 63%. For the detection of deep invasion, sensitivity was 56%, specificity 77%, PPV 64% and NPV 71%. All women with grade one or two tumours having no invasion or grade one having superficial invasion detected on MRI had pathological ,low risk' disease. Conclusions:, Magnetic resonance imaging scans as reported offered limited clinical benefit. Attention needs to be given to MRI sequencing and reporting protocols. If the review results can be confirmed by prospective studies, MRI offers significant clinical utility in the identification of low risk patients and their surgical treatment planning. [source] Poor uterine contractility in obese womenBJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 3 2007J Zhang Objective, The aim of the study was to elucidate the reason for the high rate of caesarean section in obese women. We examined the following hypotheses: (1) obese women have a high incidence of complications related to poor uterine contractility,caesarean section for dysfunctional labour and postpartum haemorrhage. 2) The myometrium from obese women has less ability to contract in vitro. Design, First, a clinical retrospective analysis of data from 3913 completed singleton pregnancies was performed. Secondly, in a prospective study the force, frequency and intracellular [Ca2+] flux of spontaneously contracting myometrium were related to the maternal body mass index. Setting, Liverpool Women's Hospital and University of Liverpool. Population, The clinical study involved all women who delivered in one hospital in 2002. The in vitro study myometrial biopsies were obtained from 73 women who had elective caesarean section at term. Results, Maternal obesity carried significant risk of caesarean section in labour that was highest for delay in the first stage of labour (OR 3.54). The increased risk of caesarean section in obese women largely occurred in women with normal- and not with high-birthweight infants. Obese women delivering vaginally had increased risk of prolonged first stage of labour and excessive blood loss. Myometrium from obese women contracted with less force and frequency and had less [Ca2+] flux than that from normal-weight women. Conclusions, We suggest that these findings indicate that obesity may impair the ability of the uterus to contract in labour. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||