Fibroxanthosarcoma of the uterine cervix: cytopathologic and histopathologic manifestations.

A case of fibroxanthosarcoma of the uterine cervix is reported with its cytopathologic manifestations. The cellular features of two cell populations characterized by atypical cells of fibroblastic and histiocytic types, suggests the correct diagnosis. The possibility of uterine sarcoma must be considered in the differential diagnosis of bizarre and unusual cytologic findings.     

N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity in bovine uterine fluid and blood serum during the postpartum period

Uterine fluid and serum N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAGase) was determined in cows during the first 32 d post partum following normal and abnormal parturitions. Both uterine fluid and serum NAGase activities were elevated after calving and then started to decline gradually toward the 32nd day after calving, when they reached their lowest concentrations. No significant differences were found between the mean NAGase concentrations in uterine fluid of the two groups, although significant differences were found between the mean values of the combined groups between days. With serum NAGase concentrations, significant differences (P<0.01) were found between the mean values of the normal and abnormal puerperium groups. The major part of the enzyme detected in postpartum uterine fluid is probably contributed by epithelial cells present in the fluid. Uterine leucocytes and endometrial cell damage caused by bacterial infection may also contribute to the total NAGase activity in uterine fluid.     

Metastasis-stimulating activity in the mouse uterus

Mouse uterine luminal proteins are thought to play important roles in inducing diapausing blastocysts to implant into the uterine wall. Employing a syngeneic teratocarcinoma cell line (402AX), we demonstrate that neoplastic cells are better able to invade and metastasize if they are coinjected with uterine fluid from pregnant or estrogen-primed mice. This metastasizing activity of uterine fluid was partially purified by using disc polyacrylamide electrophoresis and gel filtration chromatography. Preliminary experiments indicate that the post-albumin and albumin bands contain most of the bioactivity. Furthermore, these bands contain smaller molecular weight proteins (less than 14,000) than can be separated by detergent and mild acetic acid (0.1 N) treatment.     

Uterine infusion of conceptus fragments changes the protein profile from cyclic mares

This experiment aimed to compare at day seven after ovulation, the protein profile of uterine fluid in cyclic mares with mares infused two days before with Day 13 conceptus fragments. Experimental animals were ten healthy cyclic mares, examined daily to detect ovulation (Day 0) as soon as estrus was confirmed. On day seven, after ovulation, uterine fluid was collected, constituting the Cyclic group (n = 10). The same mares were examined in the second cycle until ovulation was detected. On day five, after ovulation, fragments from a previously collected concepti were infused into each mare''s uterus. Two days after infusion, uterine fluid was collected, constituting the Fragment group (n = 10). Two-dimensional electrophoresis technique processed uterine fluid samples. A total of 373 spots were detected. MALDI-TOF/TOF and NanoUHPLC-QTOF mass spectrometry identified twenty spots with differences in abundance between the Cyclic and Fragment group. Thirteen proteins were identified, with different abundance between groups. Identified proteins may be related to embryo-maternal communication, which involves adhesion, nutrition, endothelial cell proliferation, transport, and immunological tolerance. In conclusion, conceptus fragments signalized changes in the protein profile of uterine fluid seven days after ovulation in comparison to the observed at Day 7 in the same cyclic mares.     

Heparin-like activity in uterine fluid.

Uterine fluid was collected from a group of normal patients and a group of patients with menorrhagia. Heparin-like activity was detected in 34 out of 38 samples using an anti-Xa heparin assay. The heparin-like activity in uterine fluid was inhibited by adding the heparin antagonist hexadimethrine bromide to the assay. Concentrations of fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products (FDPs) were measured in five samples of uterine fluid. FDPs in the concentration detected had no effect on the anti-Xa assay. Heparin-like activity was higher in the group with menorrhagia, although the differences were not significant. Heparin-like activity increased throughout the menstrual cycle and decreased during menstruation, suggesting a possible cyclical variation in activity. There was no correlation between mast cell numbers in the endometrium and myometrium and heparin-like activity in uterine fluid and no correlation between the numbers and the stage in the menstrual cycle. In a few patients with intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) heparin-like activity was increased.     

Concentrations of total protein, albumin and immunoglobulins in undiluted uterine fluid of gynecologically healthy mares

Undiluted uterine fluid from 20 Warmblood/Standardbred mares (5 to 14 yr old) was recovered by absorption to an intrauterine tampon. The mares were considered gynecologically healthy based on a clinical examination including uterine swabs for cytology and bacteriology as well as endometrial biopsy examinations. The protein profiles (SDS-PAGE) and concentrations of total protein, albumin, and immunoglobulins (Ig) A and G in the uterine fluid were examined and compared with the same proteins in serum. Major peaks were identified on the obtained protein profiles, and there was a clear similarity between the serum profiles and uterine fluid profiles. Variability in protein concentrations among mares was considerably larger in uterine fluid than in serum. Concentrations of the various proteins in uterine fluid were 44 to 56% of those in serum, except for IgA, which had a similar concentration in both serum and uterine fluid. Concentration of the proteins corresponding to peak No. 3 (molecular weight 60 to 71 kDa) in uterine fluid was higher (P < 0.05) in younger mares than in older ones. Parity had no effect on the recorded protein concentrations. The present study of gynecologically healthy mares showed that there is a large individual variation in the protein composition of uterine fluid. The results suggest that age, but not parity, may affect this composition, and indicate further that there is considerable transudation to the uterine cavity.     

Effect of estrogen-promoted bacterial infections of the rat uterus on bioassay of mammalian cell growth factor activities in uterine luminal fluid

Exogenous estradiol treatment of intact or ovariectomized rats causes accumulation of significant volumes of fluid in the uterine horns. In this report, evidence is presented showing the presence of mammalian cell growth factor(s) in uterine luminal fluid (ULF), along with other data showing that the exogenous estradiol treatment needed to cause significant accumulation of the fluid also facilitates the movement of vaginal origin bacteria into the uterine horns. It is shown that microorganisms infect the uteri of 80% or more of rats administered exogenous estradiol, and that the microorganisms are most probably of vaginal origin; procedures such as ligation of the uterine body above the cervix or antibiotic treatment did not suppress the infections. Administration of different doses of exogenous estrogen by either implantation of a single 25-mg estradiol/cholesterol pellet which causes a 20- to 50-fold elevation of estradiol levels above physiological plasma concentrations, or instead, by a Silastic tube delivery method that elevates levels only 2- to 3-fold above the normal range, resulted in equal frequency of uterine infections and in the appearance of infection at the same time after starting treatment. A number of bacterial species are present in the contaminated ULF, and these are the origins of intracellular products which are potent inhibitors of mammalian cell growth; the presence of these bacterial origin inhibitors interferes with the bioassay of the ULF growth factor activity, and hence, impedes the characterization of the growth factor(s) present in luminal fluid. Characterization of the origins of the growth-inhibiting activities showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis are the predominant species present in infected uteri and that both produce exotoxin activities which inhibit growth of mammalian cells in culture; Pseudomonas appears to be the greater producer of cytotoxic activity. Evidence is presented that suggests that the well-known Exotoxin A produced by Pseudomonas may be responsible, in part, for the toxic effects of this organism. Other, as yet unidentified, cell growth inhibitors also may be produced by the bacteria found in ULF. Surgical separation of the uterine body from the cervix allows preparation of ULF which contains no bacteria and substantially reduced levels of growth inhibitors to mammalian cell lines.     

Aspiration cytology from the pouch of Douglas at hysteroscopy

Eighty-seven fine needle aspiration cytological samples from 29 patients suffering from irregular perimenopausal uterine bleeding were evaluated. Aspiration cytology was performed prior to hysteroscopy, after distension of the uterine cavity and finally after uterine curettage. In this paper, cytological examination of fluid from the pelvic content in women with benign endometrial findings is compared with that of patients with adenocarcinoma. Endometrial curettage influenced the cell content of the cytologica specimens.     

Effect of insemination time of frozen semen on incidence of uterine fluid in mares

Ninety five mares were inseminated with frozen semen either within 12 h before ovulation or within 8 h after ovulation. The effect of preovulatory versus postovulatory insemination (AI) on the subsequent detection of uterine fluid was studied. The overall pregnancy rate was 43% and this was not significantly influenced by preovulatory or postovulatory insemination. When mares were first examined 12 h after AI, 18 of 52 mares (35%) had accumulated uterine fluid. However, when mares were first examined 18 to 24 h after AI, only 6 of 43 mares (14%) had uterine fluid. Presence of intrauterine fluid significantly lowered pregnancy rates. Timing of insemination did not affect incidence of uterine fluid. Serum concentrations of estrogen and progesterone at time of insemination did not influence uterine clearance or pregnancy rates, but both hormones were higher at preovulatory than at postovulatory inseminations. We concluded that there was no evidence that postovulatory inseminations would predispose mares to persistence of uterine fluid after AI.     

Column chromatography and electrophoresis of bovine uterine lumenal proteins collected during the estrous cycle

Uteri of 29 normally cycling Holstein and Jersey cows were non-surgically flushed with 50 ml sterile 1.5% saline, and fluids were recovered to evaluate biochemical methods for determination of qualitative changes in uterine lumenal protein at known stages of the estrous cycle. Total protein (mg) and number of red blood cells (million/ml) were 17.7 and 9.8; 7.6 and 7.1; 9.1 and 6.0; and 26.2 and 2.8 at day 0, 5, 10 and 15 of the bovine estrous cycle. Column chromatography (Sephacryl S-200) of uterine secretions revealed seven uterine specific peaks at ambient temperatures. One peak may be a hemoglobin contaminant. Five uterine specific protein peaks representing proteins greater than 160 000, ～ 25 000 and less than 13 700 mol. wt. (3) were eluted with high performance liquid chromatography. Native polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis fractionated uterine fluid into as many as 13 bands. There were differences in six protein bands between uterine fluid and plasma. The consistency between Sephacryl S-200 and high performance liquid chromatography is the presence of three to four low molecular weight (< 13 700) uterine specific proteins. Sephacryl S-200 chromatography resulted in elucidation of a uterine specific protein approximately 60 000 mol. wt. not found with high performance liquid chromatography. However, proteins with mol. wt. > 160 000 and approximately 25 000 were found with high performance liquid chromatography. Results indicate no differences in protein class during the estrous cycle and that red blood cell contamination must be monitored during qualitative evaluation of uterine proteins.     

The role of uterine luminal fluid in uterine contractions, sperm transport and fertility of rats

The role of accumulated intrauterine fluid in rats at oestrus was investigated by experimentally altering the fluid volume in 106 rats. Complete evacuation of uterine fluid or low natural fluid volume did not significantly reduce the number of embryos on Day 10 of pregnancy overall. Transuterine (but not transcervical) sperm transport was reduced by uterine fluid removal, but did not vary significantly with naturally occurring variations in fluid content. Irrespective of fluid content, transuterine sperm transport was, on average, greater in right than left horns. Distensible balloons inserted into the uterus indicated that increasing and decreasing volume increased and decreased respectively myometrial activity at oestrus and dioestrus. Left horns contracted less frequently than did right horns at low volumes. While uterine fluid volume clearly affected uterine contractility and transuterine sperm transport, we were unable to demonstrate a major role of fluid for fertility.     

Maintenance of plasma-derived proteins at much lower concentrations in the uterine lumen of the rabbit: a kinetic study of passage.

Human serum albumin (HSA) and human gamma globulin (HGG) in serum and uterine fluid of nonpregnant rabbits at various times after an i.v. injection (100 mg/kg) were measured by a radial immunodiffusion test using specific antisera. The HSA concentration in uterine fluid rose to a peak at 12 hr when it was 11% of the serum concentration and then declined, whereas HGG reached a peak at 18 hr (3.2% of serum level) and decreased thereafter. The HSA passed 2 1/2 times faster than HGG, but both proteins equilibrated with uterine fluid in about 12-18 hr. Steady state levels of HSA and HGG indicated that uterine fluid: serum ratios were 1:10 and 1:20, respectively. Similar ratios were found for total protein and rabbit serum albumin (1:10) and rabbit gamma globulin (1:20). Therefore, except when there is a local immune response, the uterine lumen contains only about 5% of the serum antibody concentration. Available data in the mouse, rat and dog also indicate disparity between serum and uterine fluid protein levels.     

Differential label‐free quantitative proteomic analysis of avian eggshell matrix and uterine fluid proteins associated with eggshell mechanical property

Eggshell strength is a crucial economic trait for table egg production. During the process of eggshell formation, uncalcified eggs are bathed in uterine fluid that plays regulatory roles in eggshell calcification. In this study, a label‐free MS‐based protein quantification technology was used to detect differences in protein abundance between eggshell matrix from strong and weak eggs (shell matrix protein from strong eggshells and shell matrix protein from weak eggshells) and between the corresponding uterine fluids bathing strong and weak eggs (uterine fluid bathing strong eggs and uterine fluid bathing weak eggs) in a chicken population. Here, we reported the first global proteomic analysis of uterine fluid. A total of 577 and 466 proteins were identified in uterine fluid and eggshell matrix, respectively. Of 447 identified proteins in uterine fluid bathing strong eggs, up to 357 (80%) proteins were in common with proteins in uterine fluid bathing weak eggs. Similarly, up to 83% (328/396) of the proteins in shell matrix protein from strong eggshells were in common with the proteins in shell matrix protein from weak eggshells. The large amount of common proteins indicated that the difference in protein abundance should play essential roles in influencing eggshell strength. Ultimately, 15 proteins mainly relating to eggshell matrix specific proteins, calcium binding and transportation, protein folding and sorting, bone development or diseases, and thyroid hormone activity were considered to have closer association with the formation of strong eggshell.     

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the salivary gland in pleural fluid. A case report

The cellular features of mucoepidermoid carcinoma of submandibular gland origin observed in pleural fluid are presented. The pleural fluid contained predominantly atypical spheroid cell clusters accompanied by numerous mesothelial cells. The cells had round nuclei with conspicuous nucleoli, coarsely granular chromatin and abundant cytoplasm with vacuoles. The cellular features of the malignant cells in the pleural fluid were correlated with the histology of the parent lesion.     

The effects of age on the composition of uterine fluid of broiler breeder hens and on maintenance of quality of fowl spermatozoa when stored in uterine fluid or in a synthetic medium

We studied effects of aging of hens on some physio-chemical parameters of uterine fluid taken at 2 stages of the ovulatory cycle (12 and 18 h after the oviposition) and of uterine fluid properties as a semen diluent in vitro at 41 degrees C. The volume, pH, osmotic pressure, Na+, K+, Ca2+, glucose and total protein concentrations of uterine fluid were measured. The percentage of motile spermatozoa and the fertilizing ability of fowl semen diluted 1:9 in uterine fluid were tested throughout the laying cycle in meat-type hens and compared to those of semen diluted in synthetic medium M199. The results showed that the volume and the K+ and Ca2+ concentrations in uterine fluid decrease with the hens' aging, while osmotic pressure is significantly higher in older hens. But in spite of the composition differences, uterine fluids from hens of different ages have little influence as semen diluents either on sperm motility or on fertilizing ability. These observations suggest that the variations of the composition of uterine fluid with hens' aging does not contribute to the late seasonal decline in fertility observed during the later stages of the reproductive season in this species. In any case, uterine fluid is harmful to sperm quality in vitro, while M199 is an appropriate semen diluent at 41 degrees C. The high glucose concentration in M199, however, slightly decreases motility and the duration of the fertile period of spermatozoa.     

Possible implication of lysophosphatidylcholine in cell fusion accompanying implantation in rabbits.

Implantation in rabbits involves the cellular fusion of trophoblastic and uterine epithelial cells resulting in embryo penetration of the uterine endometrium. Since lysophospholipids, known to have fusigenic properties, could be responsible for this cell fusion, the metabolism of lysophospholipids was studied throughout gestation in blastocyst/yolk sac and extracoelic amnioallantoic fluids. Analysis of phospholipid composition revealed that lysophospholipids are present in blastocyst/yolk sac fluid. Their concentrations and haemolytic activity change during pregnancy. They increase and reach their highest values during days 7 to 9, the implantation days in rabbits. A clear correlation was observed between lysophosphatidylcholine concentrations in blastocyst/yolk sac fluid and haemolysis induced by this fluid. Phosphatidylcholine concentrations, phospholipase A2 activity, which generates lysophospholipids, and lysophospholipase A activity which hydrolyses lysophosphatidylcholine into fatty acid, were at their highest value at day 12. These data suggest that a transient accumulation of lysophospholipids could ensure local cell fusion. Moreover, we propose that the lysophospholipid concentrations in blastocyst/yolk sac fluid are dependent upon activities of phospholipase A2 and lysophospholipase.     

Aspiration cytology of malignant fibrous histiocytoma after radiation therapy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix: a case report

BACKGROUND: Cytologic reports on malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH) following radiation therapy for carcinoma of the uterine cervix are very rare. CASE: A 59-year-old woman presented with slowly increasing pain in the left hip joint. Eight years earlier, she had received radiotherapy at a dosage of 5,000 cGy to the whole pelvis for carcinoma of the uterine cervix. An osteolytic lesion of the pelvic bone was revealed on computed tomography, and a hard tumor was palpable in the left pelvic cavity. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the tumor via the left vaginal wall obtained 0.5 mL of yellow fluid consisting of markedly anaplastic and pleomorphic giant cells. Frequent multinucleation and mitoses were observed, although no atypical spindle cells were observed. Immunocytochemistry disclosed vimentin reactivity. An open biopsy of the tumor revealed the histologic and immunohistochemical features of MFH arising in the pelvic cavity. CONCLUSION: FNA of the pelvic lesion via the vaginal wall revealed an MFH in the radiation therapy field. This is one of the few reports dealing with FNA cytology of a postradiation sarcoma in the pelvic cavity.     

Effect of insemination dose and site on uterine inflammatory response of mares

It is unclear whether AI of mares deep into the uterine horn causes more or less inflammation of the endometrium than conventional AI. Thus, we compared uterine inflammatory reactions of mares inseminated with two different doses of frozen-thawed semen into the tip of the uterine horn (UH) ipsilateral to the preovulatory follicle with those of mares inseminated into the uterine body (UB). Thirty-two mares were assigned to one of four groups (eight mares/group): UB20=AI into UB, 20 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UB200=AI into UB, 200 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UH20=AI into UH, 20 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL; UH200=AI into UH, 200 x 10(6)sperm/0.5 mL, and inseminated 24 h after hCG administration. Before and 24 h after AI, they were examined with ultrasonography for the presence of intrauterine fluid. At 24 h, uterine fluid samples were obtained first by absorbing fluid into a tampon and then by uterine lavage. Uterine fluid was examined for polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) and bacteriology, and frozen for lysozyme and TIC (trypsin-inhibitor capacity) assays. Only three mares conceived, one in each of the following groups: UB200, UH20, and UH200. Mares in the UH20 group accumulated less intrauterine fluid (p<0.05) than those in the other groups, which had similar amounts. No significant differences in PMN numbers were detected in either tampon or lavage fluid. Enzyme levels between groups did not differ statistically, except for TIC, which was lowest in the UH200 group. Thus, deep uterine horn AI caused no greater inflammation or irritation than uterine body AI in normal mares 24 h after insemination.     

Energy substrates in bovine oviduct and uterine fluid and blood plasma during the oestrous cycle

Up to 40 percent of cattle embryos die within 3 weeks of fertilization but there is little or no published information on the composition of the oviduct and uterine fluids essential for their survival during this time. We have measured the concentrations of the energy substrates, glucose, lactate, and pyruvate in cattle oviduct fluid on Days 0, 2, 4, and 6 and uterine fluid on Days 6, 8, and 14 of the oestrous cycle and corresponding blood samples. Oviduct and uterine fluids were collected in situ. Glucose concentrations in oviduct and uterine fluids were similar on all days and lower than in plasma (P < 0.05). Oviduct lactate concentration was up to eightfold higher than uterine or plasma concentration (P < 0.01). Oviduct pyruvate concentrations were similar on all days and lower than plasma concentrations on Days 0 and 2 (P < 0.005). Pyruvate concentrations were similar in the uterus and in plasma except on Day 14 when the concentration in plasma was higher (P < 0.05). There were no associations between systemic progesterone or oestradiol and glucose, lactate or pyruvate. There was a linear positive relationship (P < 0.001) between oviduct fluid secretion rate and oviduct glucose concentration and a linear negative relationship (P < 0.001) between oviduct fluid secretion rate and oviduct lactate, but no association between uterine fluid secretion rate and energy substrates. The different concentrations and associations between the energy substrates in oviduct and uterine fluids and blood plasma indicate a differential regulation of the secretion of these energy substrates by the oviduct and uterine epithelium.