Bereza T

Vascular architecture of human uterine cervix visualized by corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy

BACKGROUND In contrast to the uterine corpus, the vascular architecture of the human cervix has been the subject of only a few studies, mostly dealing with the ectocervical mucosal vessels. This study presents the vascular system of the cervical wall surrounding the endocervical canal visualized by the best currently available technique, corrosion casting combined with scanning electron microscopy. METHODS Uteri collected at autopsy (n= 20) were perfused via afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin and corroded after polymerization of the resin. The obtained vascular casts of the cervix visualizing all vessels including capillaries were examined in the scanning electron microscope. RESULTS The vascular system of the cervix was nearly completely replicated in only two (10%) of the samples. In the wall of the cervix, four distinct vascular zones surrounding the endocervical canal were observed: (i) the outer zone containing larger vessels, arteries and veins of 0.3-1 mm diameter; (ii) the zone containing arterioles and venules; (iii) the zone of endocervical mucosal capillaries showing a very high density, parallel arrangement and relatively few interconnections and (iv) the innermost, subepithelial zone containing small veins running along the endocervical canal. CONCLUSIONS Despite the loss of the delicate ectocervical mucosal vessels from the cast during the corrosion step, we have successfully visualized the majority of the cervical vasculature. The vascular pattern of the human cervix, especially that of the endocervical mucosa, may facilitate the adaptation of the cervical vasculature to the extensive remodeling of the cervix during parturition.

The vascular architecture of the supravaginal and vaginal parts of the human uterine cervix: a study using corrosion casting and scanning electron microscopy

The aim of this study was to visualize and describe the vascular architecture of the vaginal and supravaginal parts of the human uterine cervix. Uteri collected at autopsy (n = 42) were perfused via the afferent vessels with fixative followed by Mercox resin. After polymerization of the resin, corrosion was performed. The obtained vascular casts of the cervix, visualizing all vessels including capillaries, were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Both in the vaginal and supravaginal parts of the cervix, four distinct vascular zones were distinguished – the outer zone containing large arteries and veins, the arteriole and venule zone, the endocervical mucosal capillaries zone and the pericanalar zone containing small veins and capillaries. In the pericanalar zone ran small veins, responsible for draining the mucosal capillaries. Both in the muscular layer, as well as in the pericanalar zone, arterioles and venules passed close to each other, often adjoining. This study introduces the idea of two systems responsible for draining blood from the mucosal capillaries. It is also the first to suggest the possible existence of a countercurrent transport between adjoining veins and arteries.

Classification system of the tibiofibular syndesmosis blood supply and its clinical relevance

Due to the lack of anatomical studies concerning complexity of the tibiofibular syndesmosis blood supply, density of blood vessels with further organization of syndesmotic vascular variations is presented in clinically relevant classification system. The material for the study was obtained from cadaveric dissections. We dissected 50 human ankles observing different types of arterial blood supply. Our classification system is based on the vascular variations of the anterior aspect of tibiofibular syndesmosis and corresponds with vascular density. According to our study the mean vascular density of tibiofibular syndesmosis is relatively low (4.4%) and depends on the type of blood supply. The highest density was observed among ankles with complete vasculature and the lowest when lateral anterior malleolar artery was absent (5.8% vs. 3.5%, respectively). Awareness of various types of tibiofibular syndesmosis arterial blood supply is essential for orthopedic surgeons who operate in the ankle region and radiologists for the anatomic evaluation of this area. Knowledge about possible variations along with relatively low density of vessels may contribute to modification of treatment approach by the increase of the recommended time of syndesmotic screw stabilization in order to prevent healing complications.

Reduction in the level of antibodies against heat shock proteins 60 during different hormonal protocols in postmenopausal women

Introduction In current literature, the immune-inflammatory theory of atherosclerosis is widely discussed. The role of how heat shock proteins 60 (HSP60) lead to the development of the atheromatous plaque is especially underlined. The aim of the study is to estimate the influence of three hormonal protocols on behavior of antibodies against HSP60. It determines the state of endothelium in postmenopausal women. Material and methods The study was carried out on 90 women between 2007 and 2012. All the women were in their menopausal age (51 ± 3 years), from the south region of Poland, with a follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level above 25 mIU/ml, and with menopausal symptoms disturbing their normal daily activity. The study was done for a period of 6 months. Three groups of 30 randomized patients were formed. In the first group we used transdermal estrogen therapy in a 37.5 µg/24 h dose combined with a 10 mg dose of dydrogesterone. In the second group we applied transdermal estrogen therapy in a 50 µg/24 h dose with 2.5 mg of oral medroxyprogesterone. In both these groups, gestagens were administered continuously. In the third group, we prescribed continuous, oral, low-dose combined estrogen-gestagen therapy with 1 mg of ethinyl estradiol and 0.5 mg of norethisterone acetate. The control group consisted of 30 volunteers who were also from the south region of Poland, in good health, with menopausal symptoms, no menstrual period for the last 12 months, selected considering their age and weight, with an FSH level above 25 mIU/ml and with normal levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin. All patients treated and in the control group were seronegative to Chlamydia pneumonia for the entire duration of the study. In the analysis conducted, nonparametric tests were used (Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, Kruskal-Wallis test – ANOVA). Results After 6 months of hormonal therapy, we found that all schemes of treatment promote a significant reduction in antibodies against HSP60 in all treated groups vs. the control group. Conclusions All of the investigated estrogen protocols have a favorable impact on the blood level of HSP60 antibodies in early postmenopausal women who have no cardiovascular risk factors. It triggers a better condition of endothelium.