The localization and connections of suboviductal lymphatic vessels in the bovine uterine broad ligament

The distribution of oviductal lymphatic vessels in the bovine mesosalpinx and bursa ovarica, and their communications with other lymphatics in the uterine broad ligament were examined after exposition of all lymphatic pathways with varicoloured microfil and/or ink-gelatin mixture. However, filling of the lumen of the oviductal infundibulum lymphatics was difficult or impossible because of its slender walls. Lymphatics of the isthmus and ampulla with short precollectors formed branches 1.5-2.0 cm long on both sides: dorsal and ventral of the uterine broad ligament. Collectors with slender and long lymphangions, visible after filling their lumen, encircled the alymphatic area in the parainfundibullar mesosalpinx. The greatest number of lymphatic branches, which originated from the paraisthmal part of the oviductal ampulla were observed in the subovarian area. The characteristic feature was their immediate proximity with uterine and oviductal arterial vessels. Subsequent studies have provided convincing evidence that there are direct connections of lymphatics leaving the oviduct and ovarian sac with lymphatics emerging from the uterus and ovary (after bilateral filling of lymphatics pathways in the whole broad liagment of the uterus). The performed investigations showed particularly characteristic feature in the cow--mixing lymph leaving various reproductive organs in the area of the right and left ligament--before two long collector branches reach the nearest lymphatic node/-s.     

Localization and macrostructure of subuterine lymphatic vessel networks in the bovine uterine broad ligament

Localization and morphological features of lymphatic vessels leaving tissues of uterine horns and running through the broad ligament area were studied in mature cows after filling the lumen of the each lymphangion with varicoloured masses, mainly Microfil. The study has revealed that each branch of the lymphatic vessels emerged from both sides of the uterus and then formed double-layered networks, dorsal and ventral in the area of the mesometrium. The lymphatic branches under the uterus are very numerous and consist of enlarged precollector lymphangions. At the level of the ovary, the branches of vessels in both layers interweave each other forming the common pathway suggesting that lymph leaving the bovine uterus can be mixed in branches which are formed by elongated lymphangions running to lymphatic nodes.     

Distribution and Heterogeneity of Mast Cells in Female Reproductive Tract and Ovary on Different Days of the Oestrus Cycle in Angora Goats

The physiological distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract and ovary of 12 Angora goats was determined using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Uterus (corpus uteri and cornu uteri), uterine cervix, uterine tubes (isthmus and ampulla) and ovary samples were obtained by laparatomy from groups of animals during metoestrus, dioestrus and proestrus (days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle). Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and alcian blue-Safranin at pH 1.0 for 30 min. MCs were generally associated with blood vessels in all reproductive organs. In the uterus, they were concentrated mainly in the close of the uterine gland and deep stroma in the endometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed by toluidine blue staining in the uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes on days 10 (corpus uterine: 4.7 ± 3.8 and cornu uterine: 4.9 ± 3.5) and 16 (corpus uterine: 5.9 ± 4.5 and cornu uterine: 5.4 ± 2.4) of the oestrous cycle compared with day 5 (p < 0.05). Mast cells were not observed in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the underside of the surface epithelium of the ovarian cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the ovarian medulla. In the ovary, MC numbers were significantly higher on day 16 of the oestrous cycle (cortex: 3.4 ± 2.4 and medulla: 5.7 ± 4.5, p < 0.05). Safranin-positive connective tissue MCs were not observed in the uterine tube on any occasion. These results indicate oestrous cycle-related changes in the number and location of MCs in goat reproductive organs.     

雌性空怀双峰驼生殖道的形态结构

应用组织学方法观察了雌性空怀双峰驼生殖道的形态结构。结果显示，双峰驼生殖道的基本结构与其他哺乳动物相似，但微细结构有差异。双峰驼输卵管粘膜皱襞极其发达，分支多而呈复杂的网状迷路。皱襞基部的迷路酷似固有膜而存在腺体，迷路网格内常见细胞团块。虽然双峰驼怀孕时胎儿位于左侧子宫角，但左、右子宫角以及子宫体的组织结构基本相同。子宫内膜无肉阜，上皮下陷于固有膜内，形成大量长而弯曲的单管状腺。子宫颈固有膜浅层分布有许多小腺体，深层分布有成群的较大腺体。这些腺体为分支管状腺，腺上皮PAS强阳性。阴道粘膜上皮为复层上皮。从输卵管到阴道，粘膜上皮主要为单层柱状上皮，由纤毛细胞和分泌细胞组成，局部可见假复层柱状纤毛上皮。纤毛细胞由前向后逐渐减少，但在子宫颈仍可见到。粘膜上皮和腺上皮内夹有许多淋巴细胞或中性粒细胞，后段局部甚至见到这些免疫细胞浸润于上皮细胞间。固有膜内分布有大量淋巴细胞、中性粒细胞、肥大细胞、浆细胞和巨噬细胞，有时出现淋巴滤泡。     

Postpartum Massive Hematoma within the Broad Ligament of the Uterus in a Broodmare Possibly Caused by Rupture of the Uterine Artery

A broodmare showed mild signs of abdominal discomfort and anemia after normal delivery. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a massive hematoma within the broad ligament adjacent to the uterine horn. Internal bleeding into the peritoneal cavity (hemoabdomen) was not seen. Following treatment, the clinical signs improved. Hemorrhage caused by rupture of the arteries within the broad ligament of the uterus may be a cause of hematoma. Prepartum and postpartum rupture of the arteries supplying the reproductive organs in the mare, which is not uncommon, can be fatal if severe hemoabdomen occurs. In the present case, the hematoma was considered to be tightly encapsulated between two serosal membrane layers of the broad ligament, and the membranes had remained intact. Thus, the serosal membranes did not split open, and massive bleeding into the peritoneal cavity did not occur. For this reason, the present broodmare avoided potentially fatal hemorrhagic shock.     

Uterine torsion diagnosed in a mare at 515 days' gestation

A pregnant mare with a history of prolonged gestation (～515 days) and suspected diagnosis of fetal mummification was examined. Rectal palpation revealed that the left broad ligament of the uterus was dorsal and medial to the right uterine ligament and it was not possible to observe the cervix during vaginal examination. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed fluid in the uterus, fetal membranes and the uterine walls defined and thickened. Free fluid was not seen in the peritoneal cavity. Laboratory tests (blood cell count and clinical chemistry) were normal. Based on clinical history, physical examination and ultrasound findings, a chronic uterine torsion with fetal death was diagnosed and the mare was subjected to exploratory celiotomy. The uterus was strongly adhered to the peritoneum of the ventral abdominal wall and there were multiple adhesions to the colon. Hysterotomy was performed to remove the fetus and to permit repositioning of the uterus. When the fetus was removed, a large devitalised grey tissue area of the right ventral uterine horn was observed. Multiple adhesions prevented a rescue hysterectomy and euthanasia of the patient was performed. During the necropsy, a 180° cranial cervix clockwise uterine torsion was observed. This rare case of uterine torsion appears to be the most chronic case reported in the equine literature.     

Lymphocytes and T lymphocyte subsets are regionally distributed in the female goat reproductive tract: influence of the stage of the oestrous cycle

The reproductive tract of the female is a part of the mucosal system which protects from pathogens invasion. We have analysed the presence and distribution of total lymphocytes, plasma cells (antibody secreting B cells) and T lymphocytes subsets in the reproductive tract of the female goat. The influence of the oestrous cycle on the densities of lymphocytes and plasma cells of the cervix and uterus horn was evaluated in sections prepared for conventional histology. Immunocytochemistry was used for the study of lymphocyte subsets by confocal microscopy and immunoperoxidase techniques. Present results show that the reproductive tract of the goat is a site rich in lymphocytes. These cells were found mingled with the epithelial cells of the endometrium and distributed throughout the stroma. Lymphocyte aggregates were observed in the stroma. Lymphocyte but not plasma cell number changed depending on the reproductive stage of the goats. The impact of the hormonal environment was different for the cervix and uterine horn. Immunocytochemistry studies evidenced the presence of cells displaying immunoreactivity for both CD 4+ and CD 8+ antibodies in the epithelial layer and stroma of the cervix and uterine horn. These cells were more numerous in the cervix and were also found infiltrating the luminal epithelia of endometrial glands. Overall, our results indicate that lymphocyte distribution is different in the cervix and the horn, and is influenced by the stage of the reproductive cycle. In summary, CD 4+ and CD 8+ T lymphocytes subsets could be found in the endometrium of both the cervix and uterine horn of the goat reproductive tract.     

Uterus unicornis in two mares

Two American Paint Horses, a 3-year-old nulliparous mare and a 7-year-old primiparous mare, presented for recent infertility and a pre-breeding examination, respectively. Examination of the internal reproductive tract of both mares using transrectal palpation and ultrasonography revealed the presence of the cervix, uterine body, left uterine horn and bilateral ovaries. The right uterine horn could neither be palpated nor imaged. The clinical diagnosis of uterus unicornis in one mare was confirmed at necropsy, which revealed combined aplasia of the right uterine horn and oviduct.     

Effects of the mycotoxin zearalenone on swine reproduction

Concentrations of 25, 50, or 100 ppm of 95% purified zearalenone fed to groups of healthy, multiparous sows during preestrus or throughout the gestation period (or both) produced multiple reproductive deficiencies. These reproductive disorders included infertility, constant estrus, pseudopregnancy, diminished fertility, reduced litter size, smaller offspring, malformation, juvenile hyperestrogenism, and probably fetal resorption. Gross and histologic examinations of sows revealed lesions in the reproductive organs. Marked epithelial changes characterized by squamous metaplasia were noticed in the uterus, uterine duct, cervix, vagina, and mammary glands.     

Lymphangiosarcoma in a 3.5-year-old Bullmastiff bitch with vaginal prolapse, primary lymph node fibrosis and other congenital defects

Lymphangiosarcoma is an extremely rare tumour in dogs with only 16 cases reported in the literature. Lymphoedema, which may be primary due to defects in the lymphatic system, or secondary to various other pathologies, often precedes malignancy. Of the 16 canine reports, only 1 dog was confirmed as having had prior primary lymphoedema due to aplasia of the popliteal lymph nodes. A case of lymphangiosarcoma is described in a 3.5-year-old purebred, Bullmastiff bitch which presented with vaginal blood 'spotting' for 3 weeks after cessation of oestrus, during which intromission by the male had been unsuccessful. During ovariohysterectomy a large multicystic, proliferative, spongy, fluid-filled, brownish-red mass surrounding the cervix and projecting into the abdominal space was removed with the cervix, and a diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma made on histological and electron microscopic examination of the tissue. Ultrastructurally, no basement membrane or pericytes were found, only some of the neoplastic endothelial cells were linked by tight junctions while there were gaps between others, and neither micropinocytotic vesicles nor Weibel-Palade bodies occurred in the cells examined. Very few of the endothelial cells lining the many interlinking, tortuous maze of channels, stained slightly positive immunohistochemically for factor VIII-related antigen. The channels were filled mostly with serous fluid, and occasionally mixed leucocytes and some erythrocytes. The endothelium was often associated with underlying blocks of collagenous material, as well as loosely-arranged aggregates of lymphocytes, other mononuclear cells and occasional neutrophils in the connective tissue septae and more prominently perivascularly. The bitch was discharged on antibiotic treatment but returned 2 weeks later with apparent prolapsed vagina which failed to reduce over the next week. Laparotomy revealed the tumour to have spread extensively in the caudal abdomen to involve the broad ligament and the ventral rectal serosa, and the 'prolapsed' tissue was found to be expanded vaginal wall. The bitch was euthanased and necropsied, Histological examination confirmed lymphangiosarcomatous invasion of the submucosal and muscular layers of the retroperitoneal, traumatised, prolapsed part of the vagina, the urethra and the ventral rectal wall. The broad ligament was diffusely invaded with tumour which had proliferated into the caudal abdominal space, and 3 small intra-trabecular foci of tumour were found in the right popliteal lymph node near the hilus. Mitotic figures were generally scarce. There was mild subcutaneous oedema of the ventral trunk extending from the axillae to the inner proximal thighs, which had not been evident clinically, and the lymph nodes (peripheral more so than internal) microscopically showed marked trabecular and perivascular fibrosis especially in hilar regions. Other congenital defects were hepatic capsular and central venous fibrosis with lymphatic duplication and dilatation in all areas of connective tissue, ventrally-incongruous half-circular tracheal rings, and multifocal renal dysplasia affecting the right kidney. There was locally-extensive subacute pyelonephritis of the left kidney.     

Lack of natural luteolysis associated with uterine horn aplasia in a heifer

A heifer with congenital left uterine horn aplasia had completely normal reproductive cycles when ovulation occurred from the right ovary. Subsequent to ovulation from the left ovary, however, the corpus luteum persisted for months unless prostaglandin F2 alpha was administered. The reproductive tract was examined after slaughter. The left oviduct ended blindly, resulting in fluid-filled cysts. Except for aplasia of the left uterine horn, the reproductive tract appeared to be morphologically normal. This natural model confirms that the luteolytic signal in cattle is sent from the uterine horn to the ipsilateral ovary, but not to the contralateral ovary. Diagnosis of this abnormality required careful palpation per rectum. The normal luteolysis that occurred with exogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha treatment provided misleading information that the heifer was normal.     

Histology of uterine leiomyoma and occurrence in relation to reproductive activity in the Baltic gray seal (Halichoerus grypus)

A high prevalence of uterine leiomyoma has been reported in Baltic gray seals aged 15 years and above. Studies on Baltic seals during the 1970s revealed high tissue concentrations of the organochlorines bis(chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lowered reproduction rate, and pathologic changes. In the second half of the 1970s, decreases of PCB and DDT in Baltic biota occurred, and the prevalence of pregnancies in Baltic seals increased. Between 1975 and 1997, 53 Baltic gray seal females of age 15-40 years were found dead and sent to the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Seals were autopsied and 34/53 (64%) had uterine leiomyomas. Samples from 15 were sufficiently well preserved for histologic examination. Uterine leiomyomas were found most commonly in the uterine corpus but also were observed in the uterine horns, cervix, and vagina. Cut surfaces of the leiomyomas appeared as whorled white fibrous tissue. Histologically, spindle cells were arranged in a whorl-like pattern. The nuclei were rod-like and strikingly uniform in shape and size. Mitotic figures were rare. Immunohistochemical staining of the tumors showed a positive reaction to antibodies recognizing smooth muscle actin. Reproductively active gray seals have an ovarian corpus luteum or albicans for most of the year. In 22/34 (65%) gray seals with uterine leiomyomas, ovaries did not contain corpora. In gray seals without macroscopically detected uterine leiomyoma, ovaries from 6/19 (32%) seals had no corpora. It is possible that the development of leiomyoma in the seals is associated with organochlorines and the previous low reproductive activity.     

Immunohistochemical Localization of Galanin in Bovine Reproductive Organs

The vagina, uterus and oviduct were shown to receive galanin immunoreactive (GAL-IR) nerve fibres, the number of which varied between particular organs. In the ovary, GAL-IR nerves were absent. A small number of these nerves were located in the layers of the oviduct. A moderate number of GAL-IR nerves were situated in the body and uterine horns, whereas the uterine cervix and vagina wall contained a large number of GAL-IR nerve fibres, evenly distributed throughout particular membranes of the organs. GAL-IR nerves were found to contain, simultaneously, either vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), substance P (SP) or Leu⁵-enkephalin (ENK). Many of the GAL-IR nerves contained tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). A group of GAL-IR nerves that did not possess immunoreactivity to VIP, SP, ENK or TH was also observed.     

山羊子宫内胆碱能神经分布及妊娠时的变化

采用乙酰胆碱酯酶组化法，研究了山羊子宫内胆碱能神经的分布，结果，山羊子宫颈是经较丰富，在浆膜和肌层内有神经束伴血管而行并分支分布于血管壁，在粘膜及其皱褶上皮下，粘液腺上皮有神经丛分布，妊娠时子宫颈部的神经分布与未妊娠时相比无明显变化，子宫角部神经密度均低于子宫颈部，其内环行肌层中及其与内膜交界处神经密度略高，神经束伴血管而行并分支分布于血管壁，在子宫腺上皮下及内膜上皮下无神经分布，妊夺时作胎盘内无神经分布外，仍有神经束伴血管而行交分支分布于血管壁，在分布于血管壁的神经纤维减少，结果提示，胆碱能神经主要支配山羊子宫内血管壁及颈部粘液腺上皮和粘膜上皮，妊 时子宫颈部胆碱能神经无明显变化，而子宫角内支配血管壁的胆碱能神经纤维减少。     

Uterine, cervical and vaginal microflora of the normal bitch throughout the reproductive cycle

Samples for microbiological culture were collected from the uterus of bitches using transcervical uterine cannulation (31 samples, 23 bitches) and from the uterus, cervix and vagina post mortem (19 bitches) at all stages of the reproductive cycle. Samples were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and for aerobic mycoplasmas. Bacteria were always found in the uterus during prooestrus and oestrus (12 positive in 12 cultures) and rarely at other stages of the reproductive cycle: during anoestrus (one in 14) and other stages (none in 24). When microorganisms were detected at three sites post mortem, those found in the cervix and vagina were always of the same species as those found in the uterus. In six out of 13 instances, microorganisms were found in the cervix or vagina when none were found in the uterus. The mean number of isolates, number of bacteria seen in uterine cytology and bacterial growth were greater (P < 0–005) during oestrus and pro-oestrus than at other stages. Bacteria isolated from the uterus, in order of frequency, were Escherichia coli, Haemophilus species, α-haemo-lytic streptococci, Corynebacterium species, Streptococcus canis, Alcaligenes faecalis, Bac-teroides species, Pasteurella species and Proteus mirabilis. No mycoplasmas were cultured from the samples. This study indicates that the uterus of the normal bitch has a uterine microflora during pro-oestrus and oestrus that is similar to that of the vagina and cervix.     

Anatomicohistological characteristics of the tubular genital organs of the female collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) from North-eastern Amazon

The present study examines anatomical and histological characteristics of tubular genital organs and its relationships with the reproductive state of 24 wild adult collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) females. The tunica mucosa of the uterine tube presents a pseudostratified, intermittently ciliated columnar epithelium. The epithelial secretory cells of pregnant females and females in the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle became taller than the ciliated cells and showed abundant apical secretory blebs, whereas secretory cells of females in the follicular phase showed abundant mucous secretory activity (periodic acid-Schiff positive cells). The uterus is composed of two narrow and convoluted uterine horns, separated by the velum uteri, a small uterine body and a long and muscular cervix. The endometrial lining of both uterine horns and body is a monostratified, columnar ciliated epithelium. Pregnant females and females in luteal phase showed a more developed hyperplasia of the endometrial simple tubular glands than females in the follicular phase. The cervix presents interdigitated rows of mucosal prominences that project into the lumen, structures similar to pulvini cervicali, occluding the cervical canal. In pregnant females, the endocervical canal was filled by a viscous cervical secretion. Females in follicular phase presented a thicker vaginal epithelium than pregnant females and females in luteal phase. The present study suggests that the collared peccary female showed different histological features of the uterine tubes, uterus and vagina in accordance with the reproductive state of the females.     

Morphological and immunological characteristics of the bovine temporal lymph node and hemal node

Anatomical dissection of the temporal regions of 62 cattle demonstrated that lymph nodes and hemal nodes are present in 89% of the animals (bilaterally in 65% and unilaterally in 24% of the cases). Lymph nodes accounted for 60% and hemal nodes for 40% of all examined nodes. They are nearly always round with diameters ranging from 1 to 9mm. Injections of India ink showed that their drainage area consists of the forehead, the upper eyelid, the base of the horn and the temporal muscle. Immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry revealed that the distribution and percentages of the different cell populations in the lymph nodes and hemal nodes are similar to other cranial lymph nodes. Based on its anatomical location the name temporal lymph node (lymphonodus temporalis) is proposed.     

口服促孕散治疗前后持久黄体奶牛B超影像学的研究

为探讨促孕散治疗持久黄体的作用机理,本研究通过直肠检查结合B超直肠检查对持久黄体奶牛做出诊断后口服促孕散,应用B超每3 d对黄体直径、卵泡数量、卵巢长度、卵巢宽度、子宫角纵径和子宫颈纵径进行测量,并统计1次,与用药前进行对比。30头持久黄体奶牛口服促孕散后,治疗有效头数25头,有效率为83.3%。停药后第1天卵巢出现小卵泡和中等卵泡,停药后分别在第10和19天大卵泡数量最多,部分奶牛出现发情并排卵,与用药前卵巢相比,结果发现左、右侧卵巢长在停药后均降低,但差异不显著(P>0.05);左、右卵巢宽在停药后均降低,但差异不显著(P>0.05);子宫颈纵径和子宫角纵径均在停药后升高,但差异不显著(P>0.05)。结果表明,B超是诊断奶牛持久黄体的有效手段,中药促孕散对持久黄体奶牛卵巢和子宫形态等指标具有一定的影响,可以促进黄体的溶解。     

Segmental aplasia of uterine body in an adult mixed breed dog.

Segmental aplasia of the uterine body was diagnosed in a 5-year-old, mixed breed bitch. Abdominal radiography and transabdominal ultrasonography revealed marked dilation of fluid-filled uterine horns with no evidence of a uterine body. Sex hormone assays did not detect the presence of estradiol-17 beta; however, progesterone (2 ng/ml) was found in the serum, indicating anestrus. On gross examination of the reproductive tract, the uterine body was absent, apparently never formed. In its place, a cord-like piece of tissue was identified as an aplastic/dysplastic remnant, connecting the cervix and right uterine horn. The tip of the cord-like piece branched into 5 string-like pieces of tissue, 1 of which was connected to the region dividing the left and right uterine horns. Both the uterine horns were dilated markedly revealing hydrometra. Histologically, uterine body remnant tissues from the endometrium, myometrium, and perimetrium were detected in proximal and distal parts of the uterine body. The string-like piece of tissue connecting the uterine body remnant and the uterine horn consisted of a round cluster of smooth muscle cells surrounding a central core of adipose tissue with blood vessels. It was concluded that the hydrometra observed in both uterine horns was induced by an obstruction resulting from segmental aplasia in the uterine body. This is the first known report of segmental aplasia in the uterine body of a bitch.