Some Observations on Myocardial Revascularization

Since 1929 various surgical procedures have been devised to revascularize the ischemic heart to provide it with blood from extracoronary sources. A comparative study has been carried out in 80 mongrel dogs over a two-year period to evaluate the relative merits of cardio-omentopexy, left atrial pulmonary artery anastomosis and the Ivalon sponge operation. The Ivalon sponge procedure proved to be most effective in relieving artificially produced myocardial ischemia. The procedure has subsequently been carried out in two patients with crippling angina pectoris, and a complete relief of symptoms has been achieved in both.     

Uterine adrenergic and cholinesterase-positive nerves and myometrial catecholamine concentrations during pregnancy in sheep

Uterine adrenergic and cholinesterase (AChE)-positive innervation of the sheep uterus during anestrus and at 4 stages of pregnancy were examined by histochemical methods. In addition, uterine and cervical myometrium concentrations of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. During anestrus, adrenergic and AChE-positive nerve fibers in the uterine myometrium and endometrium were primarily associated with the vasculature. Innervation of myometrial smooth muscle was almost exclusively by adrenergic fibers. In the endometrium, fibers of both types were observed closely associated with endometrial glands, and adrenergic fibers were observed in the connective tissue beneath the luminal epithelium. Density of uterine innervation decreased by day 65 of pregnancy with an additional decrease by day 105. Myometrial NE concentrations were higher in the cervix than the uterus. Uterine NE concentrations generally were not affected by pregnancy. Although cervical NE per gram of tissue decreased during pregnancy, this effect of pregnancy was not detected when NE was expressed per microgram of DNA. Myometrial DA concentrations were higher in uterine segments than in the cervix. DA concentrations decreased during pregnancy in all tissues except the posterior uterine segment. The DA to NE ratio in the uterus was greater than that for the cervix and was not generally affected by the stage of pregnancy. These results demonstrate that cholinergic and adrenergic nerves supply the sheep uterus. Decreasing fiber density during pregnancy suggests that a majority of the innervation to the sheep uterus is supplied by 'short' nerve fibers whose activity is regulated by steroids of pregnancy. The possible role of DA as a neurotransmitter in the sheep uterus is discussed.     

Proteomic analysis of pregnancy-related proteins from pig uterus endometrium during pregnancy

Many important molecular events associated with implantation and development occur within the female reproductive tract, especially within the uterus endometrium, during pregnancy periods. The endometrium includes the mucosal lining of the uterus, which provides a suitable site for implantation and development of a fertilized egg and fetus. To date, the molecular cascades in the uterus endometrium during pregnancy periods in pigs have not been elucidated fully. In this study, we compared the functional regulated proteins in the endometrium during pregnancy periods with those in non-pregnant conditions and investigated changes in expression patterns during pregnancy (days 40, 70, and 93) using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and western blotting. The functional regulated proteins were identified and discovered from differentially expressed proteins in the uterus endometrium during pregnancy. We discovered 820 protein spots in a proteomic analysis of uterus endometrium tissues with 2-DE gels. We identified 63 of the 98 proteins regulated differentially among non-pregnant and pregnant tissues (matched and unmatched spots). Interestingly, 10 of these 63 proteins are development-, cytoskeleton- and chaperon-related proteins such as transferrin, protein DJ-1, transgelin, galectin-1, septin 2, stathmin 1, cofilin 1, fascin 1, heat shock protein (HSP) 90β and HSP 27. The specific expression patterns of these proteins in the endometrium during pregnancy were confirmed by western blotting. Our results suggest that the expressions of these genes involved in endometrium function and endometrium development from early to late gestation are associated with the regulation of endometrium development for maintaining pregnancy.     

大鼠子宫内膜异位模型的建立与组织学观察

目的为开发诊治子宫内膜异位症(endometriosis,EMT)的新药研究提供理想的动物模型。方法取雌性未交配性成熟大鼠,术前雌激素诱导,麻醉开腹取部份右侧子宫,将内膜种植于左腹壁内,术后16周取出包块,进行组织形态学、组织化学观察。结果异位内膜在腹壁内生长,呈隆起囊状小包块,内有黏液,具有正常子宫内膜基本组织结构,囊腔较大。异位内膜中有糖原、RNA的存在。结论该手术方法建立的子宫异位内膜生长良好,术后一周就可摸及包块大小,为开发研究子宫内膜异位症的新药提供了方便。     

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in the preimplantation rabbit uterus and blastocyst

We have measured by radioimmunoassay the concentration and production of 5(S)-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), a metabolite in the lipoxygenase pathway, and PGs in different uterine compartments, and blastocysts during the preimplantation period in the rabbit. The production is defined as the synthesis minus the metabolism for a defined period of time. The pattern of uterine PGF production on days 5-6.5 was quite similar for the whole uterus and the myometrium showing a peak production on Day 6. The concentration and production of PGF were always higher in the endometrium. While significant production of PGE was noticed in the whole uterus on days 5-6 and in the myometrium on Day 6, the endometrium showed some production on these days. On the contrary, absolutely no production of this PG was observed in the endometrium on Day 6.5. The concentration and production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha were always lower in the endometrium than those observed in the myometrium or the whole uterus. While highest production of this PG was found to be on Day 6.5 in the whole uterus and on Day 5 in the endometrium, the production in the myometrium remained constant on all days examined. The production of 5-HETE in the endometrium was noticeable on Days 5-6.5, in the whole uterus on Days 5 and 6.5, and in the myometrium only on Day 6.5. However, the concentrations of 5-HETE showed a tendency to be higher at 2 h than at 0 h in these compartments on Days 5-6.5. Furthermore, a linear increase in 5-HETE levels both at 0 h and 2 h was observed in the endometrium on Days 5-6.5; no such difference in mean 5-HETE level was noted in the whole uterus or myometrium on any of these days. The production of 5-HETE in the blastocyst was noted only on Day 5. The results not only demonstrate the presence of both the cyclooxygenase and the lipoxygenase pathways in the preimplantation rabbit uterus and blastocyst, their differential operation in various compartments of the uterus on various days of early pregnancy suggests an integrated role for these mediators in embryo-uterine interaction during implantation.     

Cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways in the preimplantation rabbit uterus and blastocyst

We have measured by radioimmunoassay the concentration and production of 5(S)-hydroxy-6,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), a metabolite in the lipoxygenase pathway, and PGs in different uterine compartments, and blastocysts during the preimplantation period in the rabbit. The production is defined as the synthesis minus the metabolism for a defined period of time. The pattern of uterine PGF production on days 5–6.5 was quite similar for the whole uterus and the myometrium showing a peak production on Day 6. The concentration and production of PGF were always higher in the endometrium. While significant production of PGE was noticed in the whole uterus on days 5–6 and in the myometrium on Day 6, the endometrium showed some production on these days. On the contrary, absolutely no production of this PG was observed in the endometrium on Day 6.5. The concentration and production of 6-keto-PGF_1α were always lower in the endometrium than those observed in the myometrium or the whole uterus. While highest production of this PG was found to be on Day 6.5 in the whole uterus and on Day 5 in the endometrium, the production in the myometrium remained constant on all days examined. The production of 5-HETE in the endometrium was noticeable on Days 5–6.5, in the whole uterus on Days 5 and 6.5, and in the myometrium only on Day 6.5. However, the concentrations of 5-HETE showed a tendency to be higher at 2 h than at 0 h in these compartments on Days 5–6.5. Furthermore, a linear increase in 5-HETE levels both 0 h and 2 h was observed in the endometrium on Days 5–6.5; no such differences in mean 5-HETE level was noted in the whole uterus or myometrium on any of these days. The production of 5-HETE in the blastocyst was noted only on Day 5. The results not only demonstrate the presence of both the cyclo-oxygenase and the lipoxygenase pathways in the preimplantation rabbit uterus and blastocyst, their differential operation in various compartments of the uterus on various days of early pregnancy suggests an integrated role for these mediators in embryo-uterine interaction during implantation.     

改良大鼠子宫内膜异位症模型的建立及微血管密度观察

目的对皮下筋膜层与腹壁肌层之间移植自体子宫内膜制作的子宫内膜异位症（endometriosis,EMs）模型进行评估。方法取10只雌性未交配性成熟大鼠,术前雌激素诱导,手术开腹取右侧子宫,将自体子宫内膜种植于双侧皮下筋膜层与腹壁肌层之间,术后第29天取出异位组织,进行组织形态学观察,免疫组织化学染色观察微血管密度（Microvessel density,MVD）。结果异位内膜在腹壁内生长,呈隆起囊状小包块,内有黏液,具有正常子宫内膜基本组织结构。异位内膜中微血管密度较在位内膜和正常子宫内膜高。结论此手术方法建立的大鼠子宫内膜异位症模型异位内膜病理改变与EMs患者类似,可以作为子宫内膜异位研究的动物模型。     

Aberrant expression of retinol-binding protein, osteopontin and fibroblast growth factor 7 in the porcine uterine endometrium of pregnant recipients carrying embryos produced by somatic cell nuclear transfer

The technique of somatic cell nuclear transfer (NT) is a useful tool to produce cloned animals for various purposes, but the efficiency to generate cloned animals using this technique is still very low. To improve the low efficiency in production of cloned pigs it is critical to understand the reprogramming process during development of cloned embryos, but it is also essential to understand the uterine function interacting with the transferred cloned embryos during implantation and placentation. Thus, to understand the uterine responsiveness to NT cloned embryos during pregnancy, we investigated expression of retinol-binding protein (RBP), osteopontin (OPN) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), which play important roles in implantation and/or maintenance of pregnancy as a transport protein, an extracellular matrix protein and a growth factor, respectively, in the uterine endometrium in pigs. The uterine tissue samples were obtained by C-section from pigs with NT cloned normal (NT-normal) embryos and NT cloned abnormal (NT-abnormal) embryos and pigs with non-NT (Non-NT) embryos at term. Immunoblot analysis showed that expression of RBP and FGF7 decreased in the uterine endometrium of recipient gilts carrying NT embryos than in the endometrium of gilts carrying Non-NT embryos. Levels of OPN protein of 70 and 45kDa were not different in between the uterine endometrium of gilts carrying Non-NT and NT-normal embryos, but in the uterine endometrium of gilts carrying NT-abnormal embryos 70 and 45kDa OPN proteins increased compared to those in the endometrium of gilts carrying Non-NT embryos. Immunohistochemistry results showed that RBP expression was lower in the endometrial glandular epithelial cells, while OPN expression was higher in the endometrial luminal epithelial cells of the uterus of gilts carrying NT embryos than in the uterus of gilts carrying Non-NT embryos. Results of this study showed that maternal uterine genes were aberrantly expressed in the uterine endometrium of gilts carrying NT cloned embryos in varying degrees depending on the normality of the developing embryos. These results indicate that abnormal maternal-fetal interactions of the uterus carrying the developing NT cloned embryos may cause problems in development of cloned embryos.     

Dominance of type 1 angiotensin II receptor in the nonpregnant and pregnant bovine uterus

The present study was undertaken to characterize, determine and localize angiotensin II receptors in the nonpregnant and pregnant bovine uterus. In addition, the concentration of active renin, which is responsible for the generation of angiotensin, was determined. Autoradiography and angiotensin II receptor binding studies showed that all compartments of the bovine uterus contained high concentrations of angiotensin II receptors. In general, the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1) predominated over the AT2 receptor. In the endometrium, the highest density was found in the caruncles and the AT1 receptor was always predominant. The density of angiotensin II receptors in the endometrium increased at the beginning of pregnancy, but decreased and reached values similar to those in nonpregnant animals near term. In the myometrium, the density of angiotensin II receptors was highest at or near the endometrial-myometrial junction. In this area, the predominant type of angiotensin II receptor in the uterus of cyclic cows varied, whereas the AT1 receptor always predominated during pregnancy. Non-AT1 and non-AT2 binding sites were found in the same locations as the angiotensin II receptors, but at lower densities. With the exception of the pregnant endometrium, all compartments contained higher active renin concentrations than found in plasma, indicating local synthesis of renin. This study demonstrates a difference in the expression of types of angiotensin II receptor in the bovine uterus compared with other species. The high densities of angiotensin II receptors localized in several important areas imply that the renin-angiotensin system participates in regulation of growth and tissue function in the bovine uterus.     

Spatial and molecular aspects of estrogen and progesterone receptor expression in human uteri and uterine carcinomas

The expression of steroid hormone receptors as molecules reflecting processes of development and differentiation in the human uterine tissue was analysed in a spatial distinct fashion: tissue samples were excised at the fundus and at different, spatially distinct positions of the uterus. They were analysed for concentrations of cytosolic estrogen and progesterone receptors in supernatants from frozen sections using an isoelectric focusing technique. The spatial and molecular distinct, qualitative and quantitative pattern of their expression in the human uterus and uterine adenocarcinomas were studied by sectioning tissue sample from the functionalis through the basalis of the endometrium until reaching deep myometrial parts of the tissue: (1) Specific spatial patterns of estrogen and progesterone receptor levels were detectable throughout the menstrual cycle. (2) For proliferative endometrium from the functionalis to the basalis of the endometrium, the content of both cytosolic receptor species increased up to 6-fold. (3) Differences detectable were less pronounced in the myometrial part of the tissue. (4) Differences of steroid receptor concentrations measured in the endometrium at different uterine positions were highest between fundus and corpus of the endometrium. (5) Maximal differences were detectable around ovulation. (6) After secretory transformation of the organ, specific patterns were still detectable, however quantitative differences were less pronounced. (7) Additionally, quantitative differences measurable were accompanied by variations of molecular properties of the progesterone receptor as demonstrated in an isoelectric focusing gel. (8) In endometrial adenocarcinomas, not only significant quantitative alterations in steroid receptor content were measured, but also a significantly changed spatial pattern of receptor concentrations, also a change of the molecular properties of the progesterone receptor was resolved if these tumor parameters were compared to those detected in the normal tissue of the same organ surrounding the tumor.     

Conceptus-mediated integrity of endometrial epithelial cells and maintenance of relaxin synthesis in pregnant rabbits: effects of unilateral oviduct ligation

A previous study indicated rabbit endometrial relaxin synthesis is stimulated by blastocyst (Lee VH, Fields PA, Biol Reprod 1990; 40:737-745). To evaluate this hypothesis, unilateral oviduct ligations were placed (A) at the oviduct isthmus on Day 1 post-copulation and (B), in a separate group of rabbits, at the infundibulum before copulation. Blastocysts migrate into and implant in the uterine horn contralateral to the ligated oviduct only (conceptus-bearing uterus). The uterine horn ipsilateral to the ligated oviduct will be referred to as the non-conceptus-bearing uterus. Uteri and ovaries were removed on Days 4-28 of pregnancy and were evaluated for relaxin using guinea pig anti-porcine relaxin serum and avidin-biotin light microscopy immunohistochemistry. Results were identical for both models. Blastocysts first attach to the antimesometrial uterine surface by Day 7 post-copulation. Implantation on the mesometrial surface occurs on Days 8-11. Relaxin was observed in antimesometrial endometrial glands of both conceptus and non-conceptus-bearing uteri on Days 4-7 of pregnancy. Beyond Day 7, relaxin was observed in antimesometrial and mesometrial endometrial glandular and luminal epithelial cells at implantation sites of the conceptus-bearing uterus only. Relaxin was not found between implantation sites. Endometrial epithelial cells of the non-conceptus-bearing uterus were regressing by Day 9. These data indicate a conceptus-mediated maintenance of endometrial epithelial cells. Furthermore, the data suggest a paracrine maintenance of epithelial cell integrity and relaxin synthesis since these parameters are preserved only in the conceptus-bearing uterus. Cell-cell communication between conceptus and endometrium appears to be specific since endometrium between implantation sites does not contain relaxin. Uterine tissue from pseudopregnant rabbits (Days 1-16) was evaluated. Relaxin was observed in the antimesometrial glands on Day 7 only. Like the endometrium in the ligation model, endometrial epithelial cells of the pseudopregnant rabbit uterus were regressing by Day 9. These results indicate that pregnancy is not required for, but may enhance, relaxin synthesis. In addition, endometrial epithelial cells regress in the absence of pregnancy. Regression of endometrial epithelial cells on Day 9 suggests that maternal recognition of pregnancy occurs during the preimplantation period (Days 4-8).     

着床期小鼠子宫内膜Le~y糖蛋白的动态变化

为了解子宫内膜Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白在胚泡着床期间的变化,以及与胚泡表面阶段特异性Ｌｅ~ｙ抗原出现的关系,应用对Ｌｅ~ｙ寡糖特异的ＡＨ－６单抗为探针,通过ＳＤＳ－ＰＡＧＥ和Ｗｅｓｔｅｒｎｂｌｏｔ免疫酶标染色,观察了小鼠子宫内膜Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白在着床期的动态变化和分布特点。结果表明：（１）未孕及着床前后的小鼠子宫内膜均含Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白Ｍｒ５０～２００ｋＤ）,未孕内膜的含量明显高于着床期间的样品;（２）在着床日（Ｄ４）样品可见微量１６ｋＤ的Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白条带;（３）未孕至Ｄ４的子宫内膜均有Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白分泌至宫腔,但呈渐减趋势,未孕样品Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白主要为分泌型,而Ｄ４样品Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白主要存在于子宫内膜,宫腔液含量很少;结果提示子宫内膜Ｌｅ~ｙ糖蛋白在着床期间具有含量、组成和分布上的动态变化,这些变化可能与胚泡着床以及胚泡在宫腔内其表面Ｌｅ~ｙ糖抗原转为阳性密切有关。     

鼠兔子宫血管铸型的光镜和扫描电镜观察

用光镜和扫描电镜观察了ＡＢＳ丁酮溶液灌注的达乌尔鼠兔子宫血管与微血管构筑情况。子宫大部分血液来自子宫动脉,小部分来自生殖动脉。各弓状动脉进入宫壁后,即在宫壁内分支形成３个血管层：浆膜层、大血管层和粘肌层。研究发现鼠兔子宫内膜血管呈树杆状或有轻度弯曲向腔面垂直穿行,直至浅层分支形成毛细血管网和较大的窦状毛细血管;其内膜血管形态与有月经的人子宫内膜螺旋动脉明显差异。文中还对子宫微血管构筑与月经产生机制     

Distribution of vitamin A, retinol-binding protein, cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I, and retinoid X receptor beta in the porcine uterus during early gestation.

Retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP), among the major secretory products of the uterine endometrium in the uterine fluid of pigs, are assumed to be of importance for early embryonic development. While uterine RBP has been widely characterized, little information is available on the metabolism of vitamin A itself or other specific binding proteins or nuclear receptors in the uterus of pigs. In the present study, the content and distribution of vitamin A in uterine tissue of pigs during early gestation (Days 14-30) were examined macroscopically and microscopically via autofluorescence and HPLC. In addition, the distribution of specific proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism at the cellular and nuclear level was investigated. Macroscopically, the yellowish-greenish autofluorescence characteristic of vitamin A was observed in uterine endometrium. Microscopy showed that the autofluorescence was associated with glandular and surface epithelium of the endometrium. In these structures, immunoreactive RBP was localized, as was cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I. Retinoid X receptor beta was observed in the nucleus of myometrium and endometrium. The intensity of fluorescence decreased with the progress of gestation. This decrease was paralleled by a decrease in vitamin A content of endometrium and myometrium. In general, vitamin A concentration in the endometrium was higher than in the myometrium (P < 0.01). In the myometrium, if present at all, vitamin A was found almost exclusively as retinyl esters. In the endometrium, the dominant fraction was retinol, representing more than 90% of total vitamin A. These results show for the first time that the yellowish-greenish autofluorescence in the pig uterus can be attributed to vitamin A. Differences in the form of vitamin A present in endometrium and myometrium might point to differences in metabolism. In the myometrium, vitamin A might be stored, and in the endometrium, vitamin A is present primarily as retinol-the form in which it is secreted into the uterine fluid.     

Immunopathological responses in women with chronic inflammatory diseases of the uterus and appendages and their therapeutic correction

A total of 145 women with chronic inflammatory diseases of uterus and appendages (IDUA) were examined. Bacterioscopy of smears and culture of vaginal, cervical canal and uterine cavity contents were performed in all patients. Direct immunofluorescence and PCR were used for detection of chlamydiae in scrapes and smears and in biopsy specimens taken from endometrium. The number of T lymphocytes and their subpopulations, B lymphocytes as well as the level of plasmatic cells synthesizing IgA, IgM and IgG and secretory IgA (sIgA), immune complexes and C3 component of the complement were determined in biopsy specimens of the endometrium. Pathomorphological examination revealed structural changes characteristic of the immunocomplex disease (secondary deficiency of sIgA, pronounced suppression of IgA production by plasmocytes along with an essential increase in the number of IgG synthesizing cells and immune complexes fixed to the venule endothelium) were detected. Lectin-histochemical study revealed considerable changes in secretory activity of endometrial epitheliocytes manifested by severe suppression of bactericidal activity of the uterine mucus. The detected disturbances of local protective reactions in the endometrium of women IDUA gave grounds for including immunomodulators into the traditional treatment scheme. The latter made it possible to increase essentially the therapeutic effect.     

Effect of day of the oestrous cycle, side of the reproductive tract and heat shock on in-vitro protein secretion by bovine endometrium

Endometrial explant cultures were prepared from 16 Brahman x Angus cows killed on Days 0, 2, 5 or 8 after oestrus. Cultures proceeded for 24 h at 39 degrees C (homeothermic) or 43 degrees C (heat shock) in a modified Eagle's minimal essential medium supplemented with 50 microCi L-[4,5(-3)H]leucine. Analysis by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of de-novo synthesized proteins secreted into the medium indicated that the major types of secreted polypeptides did not change over Days 0-8. Nevertheless, overall endometrial secretion of protein (incorporation of [3H]leucine into non-dialysable radioactivity in culture supernatants) was greatest at Day 0 and declined thereafter. Incorporation of [3H]leucine into TCA-precipitable material in tissue homogenates was also greatest at Day 0. For tissue cultured at 39 degrees C, several individual polypeptides were secreted at greater rates by endometrium from the horn of the uterus ipsilateral to the corpus luteum, with side differences tending to be greatest at Day 0 or Day 2. Overall, secretion of de-novo synthesized protein by endometrium was significantly elevated by heat shock at Day 0, but not affected thereafter. Nonetheless, heat shock reduced secretion of several individual proteins and exhibited interactions with day of the oestrous cycle and with side of the uterus. Secretion of 7 polypeptides was reduced by heat shock in tissue from the ipsilateral horn of the uterus but not in endometrium from the contralateral horn. We suggest that endometrial protein secretion changes quantitatively during the early oestrous cycle. In addition, there is a local influence of the ovary bearing the corpus luteum on endometrial function that may be disrupted by heat shock.     

Morphological changes in the rat uterine tissues exposed to pregna-D'-pentaran derivatives of progestins and anti-progestins

Changes in the uterus morphology of mature female rats were studied on the model of pseudopregnancy after treatment with the progestin 16 alpha,17 alpha-cyclohexanoprogesterone (PR) and the antirpogestins 5 alpha(H)-16 alpha,17 alpha-cyclohexano-4,5-dihydroprogesterone (APR1) and 5 beta(H)-16 alpha,17 alpha-cyclohexano-4,5-dihydroprogesterone (APR2). The rats were preliminarily estrogenized with 17 beta-estradiol at a dose of 1 microgram/(animal day) for 4 days and then treated with PR at a dose of 0.2 mg/(animal day) for 14 days. The first group was then left without any treatment, whereas APR1 and APR2 were injected at the dose of 0.2 mg/(animal day) for 4 days to the animals of the second and the third groups, respectively. Light and electron microscopy of the uterus preparations demonstrated that the PR action provoked a complete pseudopregnancy picture characterized by the endometrium functionalization and the myometrium hypertrophy. Subsequent treatment with APR1 and APR2 caused the hypertrophy to cease, which had a more pronounced effect in the case of APR1. At the same time, some indications of the endometrium functionalization remained observable after treatment with APR1 and APR2. The specific binding sites for 3H-labeled APR1 and APR2 were absent from the uterus cytosol for the rats gestagenized with PR.     

The uterine length in women with Turner syndrome reflects the postmenarcheal daily estrogen dose

AIM: To evaluate the effects of estrogen substitution on the uterine development in patients with Turner syndrome. METHOD: 57 women, aged 18.1-41.5 years, were treated with estrogen from puberty induction. RESULTS: In 21 women (37%), the uterus developed to >65 mm in length. The daily estrogen dose correlated with both uterine length (r = 0.29; p < 0.05) and Tanner breast stage (r = 0.44; p < 0.001). A negative correlation between age at artificial menarche and uterine length was found (r = -0.29; p < 0.05). The endometrium thickness was greater in women with an uterus length >65 mm (p < 0.05). In 50% of the women (18 were evaluated), an adult-shaped uterus developed. Previous growth hormone therapy (n = 32) had no impact on the uterus length. CONCLUSIONS: The uterine development was suboptimal in most patients. Further investigation is needed to optimize estrogen therapy for uterine development in patients with Turner syndrome.