Histology and functional morphology of the oviduct of an oviparous snake,Diadophis punctatus

Oviductal functional morphology remains poorly understood in oviparous snakes, particularly in regard to oviductal formation of albumen and the eggshell and to sperm storage. The oviduct of Diadophis punctatus was examined using histology and scanning electron microscopy to determine oviductal functional morphology throughout the reproductive cycle. The oviduct is composed of four morphologically distinct regions: infundibulum, uterine tube, uterus, and vagina. The infundibulum is thin, flaccid, and lined with simple ciliated cuboidal epithelial cells. The tube contains ciliated and secretory epithelial cells, which reach a maximum height and hypertrophy during early gravidity and produce glycosaminoglycans. The posterior portion of the tube contains temporary sperm storage receptacles. The uterus retains eggs throughout gestation and secretes the eggshell constituents. The endometrial glands of the uterus hypertrophy during vitellogenesis and become depleted of the secretory granules during gravidity. The functional morphology of the oviduct therefore shows cyclical changes that are correlated with eggshell formation. The vagina consists of thick longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers, which may serve in retention of eggs during gestation. Furthermore, the vagina contains long furrows in the mucosa that serve as sperm storage receptacles. These receptacles store sperm following fall mating and overwintering, whereas the receptacles in the tube are utilized briefly during vitellogenesis just prior to ovulation. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Histology and functional morphology of the female reproductive tract of the tortoise Gopherus polyphemus

The oviducts of 25 tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) were examined by using histology and scanning electron microscopy to determine oviductal functional morphology. Oviductal formation of albumen and eggshell was of particular interest. The oviduct is composed of 5 morphologically distinct regions; infundibulum, uterine tube, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The epithelium consists of ciliated cells and microvillous secretory cells throughout the oviduct, whereas bleb secretory cells are unique to the infundibulum. The epithelium and endometrial glands of the uterine tube histologically resemble those of the avian magnum which produce egg albumen and may be functionally homologous. The isthmus is a short, nonglandular region of the oviduct and appears to contribute little to either albumen or eggshell formation. The uterus retains the eggs until oviposition and may form both the fibrous and calcareous eggshell. The endometrial glands are histologically similar to the endometrial glands of the isthmus of birds, which are known to secrete the fibers of the eggshell. These glands hypertrophy during vitellogenesis but become depleted during gravidity. The uterine epithelium may supply "plumping water" to the egg albumen as well as transport calcium ions for eggshell formation. The vagina is extremely muscular and serves as a sphincter to retain the eggs until oviposition. Sperm are found within the oviductal lumen and endometrial glands from the posterior tube to the anterior uterus throughout the reproductive cycle. This indicates sperm storage within the female tract, although the viability and reproductive significance of these sperm are unknown.     

Oviductal morphology and egg shelling in the oviparous lizards Crotaphytus collaris and Eumeces obsoletus

Morphological changes occurring in the oviduct and epithelial cells of the lizards Crotaphytus collaris and Eumeces obsoletus during the natural reproductive cycle were examined and quantified. Additionally, development of the eggshell at different stages of gravidity was described. The anterior uterus of each species has a distinct glandular type which differs between species: in E. obsoletus, the glands are tubular and in C. collaris, branched saccular. The branched saccular glands in the anterior uterus of C. collaris produce collagen-like material that forms the fibers of the shell membranes. However, fibers from the eggshell of E. obsoletus did not stain for collagen. The shell of both species is composed of a multilayered inner boundary covered externally by fibers of varying thickness. Initial layers are composed of thick fibers all lying along the same general axis. Outer layers of fibers are progressively thinner and an external surface layer composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is also present. In C. collaris, calcium, which is deposited in relatively small amounts on the shell surface, appears to be secreted by the epithelium of the anterior uterus. The nonciliated secretory epithelial cells covering the villi-like folds of the posterior infundibulum secrete GAGs. Epithelial cell height of the infundibular villi is greatest during early gravidity. A functional relationship may exist between luteal activity and oviductal secretory activity because the activity of the glandular epithelium varied as gravidity progressed.     

Secretory proteins in the reproductive tract of the snapping turtle, Chelhydra serpentina

SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to separate the secretory proteins produced by the epithelial and endometrial glands of the uterine tube and uterus in the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina. The proteins were analyzed throughout the phases of the reproductive cycle from May to August, including preovulatory, ovulatory, postovulatory or luteal, and vitellogenic phases. The pattern of secretory proteins is quite uniform along the length of the uterine tube, and the same is true of the uterus, but the patterns for uterine tube and uterus are clearly different. We identify 13 major proteins in C. serpentina egg albumen. Bands co-migrating with 11 of these are found in the uterine tube, but at most 4 are found in the uterus, suggesting that the majority of the albumen proteins are most likely secreted in the uterine tube, not in the uterus. Although some of the egg albumen proteins are present in the uterine tube only at the time of ovulation, most of the bands corresponding to albumen proteins are present throughout the breeding season even though the snapping turtle is a monoclutch species. These results suggest that the glandular secretory phase in the uterine tube is active and quite homogeneous in function regardless of location or phase of the reproductive cycle.     

Oviductal morphology and eggshell formation in the lizard,Sceloporus woodi

Despite a great deal of work in recent years on the structure of reptilian eggshells, few studies have examined the structure and regulation of the female reproductive tract in the formation of eggshell components, and none have examined the entire process from ovulation to oviposition. In this study, we examined oviductal structure in the oviparous lizard, Sceloporus woodi, followed changes in oviductal structure during gravidity, and determined uterine function in the formation of eggshell components. The endometrial glands of the uterus produce the proteinaceous fibers of the eggshell membrane mainly during the first 24 hours following ovulation, and the fibers are secreted intact and subsequently wrapped around the in utero eggs. Eggshell fibers of different thicknesses are layered around each egg, ranging from an inner layer of thick fibers that gradually become thinner medially and finally forms an outer layer of densely packed particulate matter. These changes in the fibrous layer are reflected by the thickness and length of fibers released from the endometrial glands. Calcium deposition occurs from 3 days following ovulation through day 14 (oviposition) and is accompanied by cellular changes in the luminal epithelium suggestive of secretory activity. Deposition of the eggshell components within the uterus occurs on all eggs simultaneously, rather than sequentially. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Seasonal variation in the oviduct of female Agkistrodon piscivorus (Reptilia:Squamata): An ultrastructural investigation

The annual oviductal cycle of the Cottonmouth, Agkistrodon piscivorus, is described using electron microscopy. This is only the second such study on a snake and the first on a viperid species. Specimens were collected in reproductive and nonreproductive condition throughout the year and five ultrastructurally unique regions were recognized: the anterior infundibulum, posterior infundibulum, glandular uterus, nonglandular uterus, and vagina. Except for the anterior infundibulum and vagina, which exhibit no seasonal variation in ultrastructure, the oviduct becomes highly secretory at the start of vitellogenesis. This includes the entire luminal border of the uterus, the tubular glands of the glandular uterus, and the luminal border and sperm storage tubules of the posterior infundibulum. The secretory materials produced in the oviduct vary among regions of the oviduct, and also can vary among time periods in the same region of the oviduct. Variation is especially evident in the sperm storage tubules. Secretory activity in the sperm storage tubules ceases after ovulation, but the tubular glands of the glandular uterus remain secretory until parturition, at which time secretory activity in the varying sections of the oviduct decreases dramatically. After parturition, the oviduct remains in a dormant state until the next reproductive season. The seasonal variation in oviducal morphology mirrors the temperate primitive reproductive cycle known for some pitvipers. Uterine glands of A. piscivorous are more similar in secretory activity to those of an oviparous lizard than a viviparous colubrid snake, suggesting variation in uterine gland morphology between snakes of different families. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Ultrastructure of the reproductive system of the black swamp snake (Seminatrix pygaea). II. Annual oviducal cycle

This article is the first ultrastructural study on the annual oviducal cycle in a snake. The ultrastructure of the oviduct was studied in 21 females of the viviparous natricine snake Seminatrix pygaea. Specimens were collected and sacrificed in March, May, June, July, and October from one locale in South Carolina during 1998-1999. The sample included individuals: 1) in an inactive reproductive condition, 2) mated but prior to ovulation, and 3) from early and late periods of gravidity. The oviduct possesses four distinct regions from cranial to caudal: the anterior infundibulum, the posterior infundibulum containing sperm storage tubules (SSTs), the uterus, and the vagina. The epithelium is simple throughout the oviduct and invaginations of the lining form tubular glands in all regions except the anterior infundibulum and the posterior vagina. The tubular glands are not alveolar, as reported in some other snakes, and simply represent a continuation of the oviducal lining with no additional specializations. The anterior infundibulum and vagina show the least amount of variation in relation to season or reproductive condition. In these regions, the epithelium is irregular, varying from squamous to columnar, and cells with elongate cilia alternate with secretory cells. The secretory product of the infundibulum consists largely of lipids, whereas a glycoprotein predominates in the vagina; however, both products are found in these regions and elsewhere in the oviduct. In the SST area and the anterior vagina, tubular glands are compound as well as simple. The epithelium of the SST is most active after mating, and glycoprotein vacuoles and lipid droplets are equally abundant. When present, sperm form tangled masses in the oviducal lumen and glands of the SST area. The glands of the uterus are always simple. During sperm migration, a carrier matrix composed of sloughed epithelial cells, a glycoprotein colloid, lipids, and membranous structures surround sperm in the posterior uterus. During gravidity, tubular glands, cilia, and secretory products diminish with increasing development of the fetus, and numerous capillaries abut the basal lamina of the attenuated epithelial lining of the uterus.     

Oviductal structure in a viviparous New Zealand gecko,Hoplodactylus maculatus

Oviductal structure is described in New Zealand's common gecko, Hoplodactylus maculatus, over four reproductive stages (early/mid-vitellogenesis, late vitellogenesis, early pregnancy, late pregnancy), using light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. Five regions of the oviduct are recognized: infundibulum, uterine tube, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. Up to three cell types make up the luminal epithelium of the oviduct: ciliated, nonciliated, and bleb cells. The function of bleb cells (seen in the infundibulum only) is unknown, but observation of these cells using transmission electron microscopy suggests that they are involved in secretory activity. Mucosal glands in the uterine tube possess large numbers of secretory granules of varying electron densities. Additionally, these glands appear to function as sperm storage tubules. Numerous sperm are seen in the glands during late vitellogenesis and early pregnancy. Very few uterine mucosal (shell) glands are seen during vitellogenesis, which is consistent with the observation that only a fine shell membrane covers the egg during early pregnancy. By late pregnancy, extraembryonic membranes lie adjacent to the uterus allowing the formation of the omphalo- and chorioallantoic placentas. Maximum cell height in the luminal epithelium is seen during vitellogenesis. The maximum percentage of ciliated cells making up the epithelial layer is seen during pregnancy. The low number of uterine mucosal glands seen in H. maculatus is a feature typical of other viviparous reptiles described, despite independent evolutions of viviparity. Although oviductal structure has been described in the literature for various reptiles, several ultrastructural features seen in this study highlight the lack of detailed understanding of this tissue. J. Morphol. 234:51-68, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Seasonal variation of the oviduct of the American alligator,Alligator mississippiensis (Reptilia: Crocodylia)

The annual oviductal cycle of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, is described using light and electron microscopy. Previous work done by Palmer and Guillette ([ 1992 ] Biol Reprod 46:39–47) shed some light on the reproductive morphology of the female alligator oviduct; however, their study was limited and did not report details relating to variation across the reproductive season. We recognize six variable regions of the oviduct: infundibulum, tube, isthmus, anterior uterus, posterior uterus, and vagina. Each area shows variation, to some degree, in the histochemistry and ultrastructure of oviductal secretions. Peak secretory activity occurs during the months of May and June, with the greatest variation occurring in the tube and anterior uterus. During the month of May, high densities of neutral carbohydrates and proteins are found within the tubal and anterior uterine glands. The epithelium of the entire oviduct secretes neutral carbohydrates throughout the year, but many regions lack protein secretions, and the posterior uterine glands show little secretory activity of any type throughout the year. After oviposition, secretory activity decreases drastically, andthe oviduct resembles that of the premating season. This study also provides evidence to support the homology between alligator and bird oviducts. Sperm were observed in glands at the tubal‐isthmus and utero‐vaginal junctions in preovulatory, postovulatory and postovipository females. J. Morphol., 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Uterine morphology during the annual cycle in Chalcides ocellatus tiligugu (Gmelin) (Squamata: scincidae)

The uterus of the viviparous skink Chalcides ocellatus tiligugu was studied by SEM and LM during the annual cycle. Three functional phases were identified: preovulatory (spring), gestatory (summer), and quiescent (autumn-winter), characterized by changes in the uterine wall (mainly the endometrial layer). In the preovulatory phase, the uterine wall increases in thickness; its luminal epithelium has ciliated cells and two types of unciliated secretory cells. The first type secretes sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which form the amorphous inner layer of the eggshell membrane; the second type secretes acidic glycoproteins that form the intrafibrillar matrix of the outer layer of the eggshell membrane. The lamina propria contains simple alveolar glands that secrete the collagen fibers of the eggshell membrane. During the gestatory phase, the glycoproteins produced by secretory cells of the second type have histotrophic activity for the developing embryo. The uterus widens to form incubation chambers with two hemispheres, one embryonic and the other abembryonic. Both a chorioallantoic placenta and an omphaloplacenta with histotrophic activity are present in late gestation. The chorioallantoic placenta, with aspects of a Weekes (1935) Type III placenta, develops in the embryonic hemisphere. The omphaloplacenta forms at the vegetative pole of the egg and shows cellular hypertrophy of the bilaminar omphalopleure and uterus. During the quiescent phase, the uterus gradually decreases in thickness and activity; its luminal epithelium does not show secretory activity. The annual variations in the myometrial layer involved the inner circular and the outer longitudinal muscle layers.     

Development of the uterine shell glands during the preovulatory and early gestation periods in oviparous and viviparous Lacerta vivipara

The evolutionary process leading to the emergence of viviparity in Squamata consists of lengthening the period of egg retention in utero coupled with marked reduction in the thickness of the eggshell. We used light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy to study uterine structure during the reproductive cycle of oviparous and viviparous females of the reproductively bimodal Lacerta vivipara. We compared the structure of the uterine shell glands, which secrete components of the eggshell, during preovulatory and early gestation phases of the reproductive cycle and also compared histochemistry of the eggshells. The uterine glands of both reproductive forms undergo considerable growth within a period of a few weeks during folliculogenesis and vitellogenesis preceding ovulation. The majority of the proteinaceous fibers of the shell membrane are secreted early in embryonic development and the uterine glands regress shortly thereafter. This supports previous observations indicating that, in Squamata, secretion of the shell membrane occurs very rapidly after ovulation. The most striking differences between reproductive modes were larger uterine glands at late vitellogenesis in oviparous females, 101 microm compared to 60 microm in viviparous females, and greater thickness of the shell membrane during early gestation in oviparous females (52-73 microm) compared to viviparous females (4-8 microm). Our intraspecific comparison supports the conclusions of previous studies that, prior to ovulation, the uterine glandular layer is less developed in viviparous than in oviparous species, and that this is the main factor accounting for differences in the thickness of the shell membrane of the two reproductive forms of squamates.     

Muc1 and glycan expression in the oviduct and endometrium of a New World monkey, Cebus apella

Cebus apella is a New World monkey that has a menstrual cycle of 18-23 days with implantation at approximately luteal Day 5. The aim of this study was to characterize by lectin- and antibody-labeling the distribution of Muc1 and associated glycans on the endometrial and oviductal epithelium during the luteal phase of the cycle. Endometrial histology showed a thin endometrium, with glands extending deeply into the myometrium. No obvious evidence of secretory differentiation in cells of either the superficial or the basal segments of glands could be obtained using a panel of antibodies and lectins that marked epithelial glycoprotein, and glycosylation changes observed in some other primate endometrial cycles were not observed in this study. Antibodies to human MUC1 were shown to cross-react with C. apella, and Muc1 was localized to the apical epithelial surfaces of both the endometrial and the tubal epithelium, with stronger expression in the latter. Again, no cyclic changes were noted. Antibodies specific to the isoform Muc1/Sec showed strong staining at the apical tubal epithelium, but no reactivity was detectable in the luminal epithelium of the uterus. This observation suggests differences between the two glycocalyces and could help to explain why C. apella embryos do not implant in this location.     

Cell proliferation in the principal target organs of the dog (beagle) ovary during various periods of the estrous cycle

Cell proliferation in the principal target organs of the ovary was studied in 7 beagle dogs during proestrus, early estrus, secretory and regressive metestrus. Pulse labelling with (3H)-thymidine and autoradiography were applied and labelling indices were determined. Organs with squamous and with glandular epithelium except the mammary gland showed a proliferation peak during early proestrus, the incidence of labelling being higher in organs with squamous epithelium. During early proestrus the intensity of labelling decreased in organs with squamous epithelium in the following order: vulva, vagina, portio vaginalis, and portio supravaginalis. At this time cell replication was higher in the superficial glands of the cervix and corpus uteri as well as the circular layer of the myometrium compared with values from the basal glands or the longitudinal layer. The steepest decline of the proliferative activity occurred between the proestrous period. While some labelled cells were observed during secretory metestrus, labelling was almost absent during regressive metestrus. By contrast, the mammary gland began to develop at the periovulatory period and was at the height of its proliferative activity during secretory metestrus. It is concluded for species with a long estrous cycle that: (1) the rate of cell replication in the vulva, vagina, uterus and oviduct is at its peak at the beginning of the estrous cycle and declines during proestrus; (2) as compared to observations in species with short estrous cycles, cell proliferation is very low during metestrus.     

Oviductal morphology in relation to hormonal levels in the snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina

Microscopic and in situ visual observations were used to relate circulating hormone levels to morphological changes in the oviduct of the snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina throughout the ovarian cycle. Increase in levels of progesterone (P), estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) levels coincide with an increase in number and growth of endometrial glands, luminal epithelial cells and secretory droplets throughout the oviduct. Testosterone and estradiol levels rose significantly (P < 0.05) after the May-June period and remained high throughout the rest of the summer. Progesterone levels remained stable throughout the summer, with a brief decline in July due to luteolysis. Hormonal values declined significantly (P < 0.001) at the end of the ovarian cycle in the fall. In situ visual observation of fresh oviducts at different stages of gravidity in recently ovulated turtles revealed that proteinaceous like components from the endometrial glands were released into the lumen to form fibers. The morphological features of the oviduct remained active throughout the summer months even though the snapping turtle is a monoclutch species which deposits all the eggs in late-May to mid-June. The high steroid levels correlate with and may be responsible for the secretory activity present throughout the summer and their decline correlates with change to low secretory activity in the fall. Calcium deposition accompanied by morphological changes in luminal cells are suggestive of secretory activity. In the egg-bearing turtles, uterine Ca2+ concentrations measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed significantly higher Ca2+ concentrations (P < 0.001) in eggs with soft shell than eggs without shell. There was a significant increase in calcium granules and proteinaceous fibers in luminal surface of the uterus during the period of eggshelling. This supports the fact that in the snapping turtle like in other reptiles, eggshelling process occurs in the uterus.     

A histochemical study of the secretions of reproductive glands and of the egg envelopes of Achatina fulica (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)

Histochemical investigations of the secretions of reproductive glands—albumen gland, apical uterus, basal uterus and prostate gland—indicate the presence of galactogen in the albumen gland, acid mucopolysaccharide in the apical uterus, and lipoprotein in the basal uterus and prostate gland of A. fulica. The proteinaceous secretions produced by the glands do differ in their terminal reactive sites. Intense alkaline phosphatase reaction is found in albumen gland and apical uterus; carbonic anhydrase activity could be detected mainly in the uterine glands. The cyclical secretory activity of the reproductive glands has been studied preparatory to egg-laying and in the spent phase. Histochemical characteristics of the egg envelopes—albumen, shell membrane and egg-shell—suggest a possible sequential deposition of glandular products during the descent of eggs through the repv. ductive tract. The factors contributing to the stability and resistant nature of the egg envelopes, and the possible role of nutritive materials contained in reproductive gland secretions in the development of the embryo (even while the eggs are inside the uterus), are discussed.     

Morphometry and discriminant analysis of the endometrium.

The authors dated 100 normal endometrial biopsies. Only endometrial specimens with histologically confirmed subphases and no evidence of organic disease were accepted for study. The morphometry and stereologic measures of the glands, lumina and endometrial epithelium were assessed. Quantitative assessment of the normal endometrium supported the histologic events that occur in the endometrial cycle (proliferative and secretory phases). There was a progressive increase in morphometric and stereologic values of the glands, epithelium and lumina during the endometrial cycle. Using stepwise discriminant analysis, 94% of the specimens were correctly classified into the categories of proliferative and secretory phase; two quantitative parameters were required, the epithelial volume density and longest luminal diameter. When three subphases within proliferative and secretory endometrium were considered, the overall accuracy was 90% and 78%, respectively.     

Ultrastructure of reproductive accessory glands in the female sandfly Phlebotomus perniciosus Newstead (Diptera : Psychodidae)

The paired female accessory glands of Phlebotomus perniciosus (Diptera : Psychodidae) were investigated by light microscopy, and by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. These glands undergo morphological and functional changes during oocyte development. After the blood meal, the monostratified glandular epithelium differentiates and starts to secrete. Well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi complexes, and membrane-bounded exocytic vesicles suggest that these secretory cells are involved in protein synthesis. As the secretory cells differentiate, the glandular lumen increases in size and fills with secretory material, consisting of globular granules of different sizes in an amorphous electron-dense matrix. The granules have an electron-translucent core and an electron-dense cortex. The morphological characteristics of the glandular epithelium and the functional role of the glands are discussed in relation to their possible contribution to the reproductive process.     

A histological and ultrastructural investigation of the female reproductive system of the water snake (Erythrolamprus miliaris): Oviductal cycle and sperm storage

We studied the structural and cellular organisation of the oviduct of Erythrolamprus miliaris including its morphological variation during the reproductive cycle using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Four anatomically distinct regions compose the oviduct of E. miliaris including the anterior and posterior infundibulum, glandular uterus, non-glandular uterus and pouch. The cells of the oviductal epithelium secrete material by apocrine and merocrine processes, which vary between the anatomical regions and according to each phase of the reproductive cycle. The infundibular epithelium secretes electron dense vacuoles, which suggests the production of lipids, whereas the epithelial secretion of the glandular uterus, non-glandular uterus and pouch creates lucent and slightly electron dense vacuoles, indicating the production of glycoproteins. The timing of mating, vitellogenesis and sperm storage directly influences the morphofunctional alterations in the oviducts of E. miliaris. Sperm storage occurs only in the infundibular receptacles with increased production of the neutral carbohydrates in the presence of male gametes. Sperm storage happens in vitellogenic, non-vitellogenic and pregnant females of E. miliaris. Thus, females may be able to produce multiple clutches at different seasons of the year regardless of mating during autumn.     

Morphology of the reproductive tract in a lizard exhibiting incipient viviparity (Sphenomorphus fragilis) and its implications for the evolution of the reptilian placenta

The morphology of the female reproductive tract and corpus luteum is examined in Sphenomorphus fragilis, a lizard from the lowland regions of New Guinea exhibiting incipient viviparity. Females oviposit eggs that hatch either immediately or within a few hours. Corpora lutea form from ovulated follicles and decrease in diameter as embryonic development progresses. The oviduct from vitellogenic females is sparsely populated with well developed uterine glands containing secretory granules. The eggs are covered with a relatively thin shell (10 μm thick) composed of an inner boundary layer and proteinacous fibers. The secreted shell is complete by early neurulation. Shell morphology does not change throughout the remainder of the in utero incubation period. A well vascularized uterus and chorioallantoic membrane provide simple placentation. These findings suggest that the reduction in shell thickness associated with the evolution of a placenta is due to a decrease in the number of shell glands in the uterus and is not a delay or inhibition of the shelling process per se. This hypothesis further suggests that the selective forces favoring shell gland loss act on the vitellogenic female during gland recruitment which occurs prior to ovulation and not on the pregnant female. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Quantitative histomorphometric analysis of gonadal steroid receptor distribution in the normal human endometrium through the menstrual cycle

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the distribution of oestrogen receptor beta (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) are related to cell proliferation or correlated with the expression of progesterone receptor (PR) or oestrogen receptor alpha (ER) in the normal human endometrium. Immunohistochemical distribution of immunoreactive ER in well-characterised menstrual cycle biopsy samples was lowest in proliferative endometrial glands, highest in early secretory phase glands and maintained at ~20% throughout the rest of the menstrual cycle and was closely correlated with stromal AR and stromal ER expression. Stromal ER was not significantly altered until the menstrual phase of the cycle and was not correlated with the expression of any other antigen in the stroma or endometrial glands except stromal AR. By contrast, glandular AR immunoreactivity was below 5% early in the cycle, increased during the secretory phase and showed strong expression just before menstruation. PR and Ki-67 expression showed strong positive correlations, indicating that PR may be a potent regulator of endometrial proliferation. These data suggest that glandular ER expression is closely associated with a functional secretory role whereas glandular ER and PR are associated with proliferation; glandular AR expression may be the switch required for menstruation.