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PubMed1996

Identification of specific relaxin-binding cells in the cervix, mammary glands, nipples, small intestine, and skin of pregnant pigs.

We previously demonstrated that relaxin promotes growth and softening of the cervix and development of the mammary glands in the pregnant pig. An important aspect of understanding relaxin's mechanism of action in these tissues is to identify the specific cell type(s) that contains relaxin receptors, that is, to identify those cells that initiate relaxin's effects. The objective of the present study was to identify relaxin-binding cells in tissues known to respond to relaxin (cervix and mammary gland) as well as in tissues suspected of being responsive to relaxin (nipple, small intestine, and skin) in the pregnant pig. To accomplish that objective we developed an in vitro modification of an immunohistochemical technique recently developed for identification of relaxin-binding cells. Two groups of pregnant gilts were used: intact control (group C) and ovariectomized progesterone-treated (group OP). Group OP was ovariectomized on Day 40 of gestation (Day 40) and treated with progesterone (50 mg/2 ml corn oil i.m., twice daily) until Day 110 to maintain pregnancy. On Day 110, tissues from both groups were removed, cut into cubes (2-3 cm3), frozen in liquid nitrogen, and cryosectioned (8 microns). Specific cell types that bind relaxin were identified by sequential application of a biotinylated relaxin probe, antibiotin immunoglobulin G conjugated to 1 nm colloidal gold, and silver for signal amplification. The study demonstrates for the first time that relaxin binds with specificity to 1) blood vessels (cervix, mammary glands, nipples, small intestine); 2) smooth muscles in small intestine (circular, longitudinal, muscularis mucosa); and 3) skin from sites other than the mammary nipples (back, ear, thigh, leg). In addition, consistent with previous findings in the rat, prominent labeling was observed in epithelial cells in the cervix, mammary glands, and nipples; in smooth muscle cells in the cervix and mammary nipples; and in the skin of the nipples. There were no apparent differences in relaxin binding between group C and group OP. We conclude that the specific relaxin-binding cells in the cervix, mammary glands, nipples, small intestine, and skin of the pregnant pig probably contain relaxin receptors and, therefore, mediate relaxin's effects in these tissues.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Blocking of cell-free and cell-associated HIV-1 transmission through human cervix organ culture with UC781.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of UC781 in preventing HIV-1 transmission through cervical tissue. DESIGN: Use of human cervical tissue organ culture, in which the cervix is in the upper chamber of a transwell and transmission of infective virus is quantified in the lower chamber. METHODS: Five-millimeter pieces of cervical tissues are exposed to UC781. After thorough removal of the drug, the tissues are exposed to high doses of cell-free or cell-associated HIV-1. Transmission of HIV-1 through the cervix is measured by determining infection of target cells in the lower chamber. RESULTS: Exposure of cervix to 0.5 microM UC781 for 30 min, followed by extensive washing away of the residual drug, resulted in 95% reduction of subsequent viral transmission. Exposure of the cervix to 1 microM UC781 for 20 min, or 10 microM UC781 for 2 min, resulted in neutralization of T- and M-tropic HIV-1 isolates of various clades, and prevention of cell-associated HIV-1 transmission. Moreover, a 20 min incubation with 10 microM UC781 abolished HIV-1 transmission through the cervix for 48 h after drug pretreatment. Importantly, UC781 was not toxic, even when the cervical tissues were exposed to 20 microM UC781 for 24 h. UC781 was effective against transmission of both cell-free and cell-associated HIV-1 also when formulated into a non-spermicidal (Replen) or spermicidal (BufferGel) gel. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of the cervix to UC781 results in blocking of subsequent HIV-1 transmission with no toxicity. Therefore, UC781 is an excellent candidate microbiocide.

Anilides↗
PubMed2000

Concordance of human papillomavirus in the cervix and urine among inner city adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate concordance for human papillomaviruses (HPVs) between cervix and urine in sexually active adolescents. METHODS: Cervical swabs and urine were collected from 80 adolescents in Baltimore, MD. Specimens were tested for 34 HPVs by PCR and for cancer-associated HPVs by Hybrid Capture (HC II) Probe B. Cervical vs. urine prevalence was evaluated by logistic regression with general estimating equations. Risk factors for prevalence and viral burden were evaluated by Fisher's exact and Kruskal-Wallis tests, respectively. RESULTS: HPV prevalence by PCR, for any HPV, was very high in the cervix (90.0%) and somewhat lower in urine (75.0%) (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval 1.07 to 1.34). Only one adolescent was HPV-positive in urine alone. Among HPV-PCR positives at either or both sites, concordance was 82% for presence of any HPV and 40% for specific HPV types. Multiple infections were common at both sites. On an average, HC II viral burden (relative light unit ratio) was 9-fold higher in cervix than in urine (median, 47.3 vs. 4.9; P = 0.005) but correlated poorly between the two sites of the same individual (r = 0.14). Compared with normal adolescents, those with squamous intraepithelial lesions had a much higher prevalence of HPV by HC II in cervix (100% vs. 28.6, P<0.0001) as well as in urine (86.7% vs. 35.4%, P = 0.002) and a significantly higher viral burden in the cervix (median, 141.8 vs. 7.3, P = 0.0045) but not in urine (median, 22.7 vs. 4.38; P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: There was a very high prevalence of HPV in cervix and urine of sexually active adolescents. Testing urine for HPV may be useful in epidemiologic investigations and in monitoring of infected women.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Effects of gemeprost and mifepristone on the mechanical properties of the cervix prior to first trimester termination of pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of oral mifepristone and vaginal gemeprost on the mechanical properties of the cervix prior to first trimester termination of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration. DESIGN: A comparative study. Each patient served as her own control. SETTING: The Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. SUBJECTS: Forty nulliparous women at six to twelve weeks of pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: The women received either gemeprost (1 mg) 3 h prior to termination of pregnancy or mifepristone (200 mg) 48 h before operation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Two different objective methods of assessment of the mechanical properties of the cervix, one measuring the distensibility of the cervix before drug administration and immediately before the operation, and the other measuring the force necessary to dilate the cervix; incidence of new symptoms following drug intake; immediate complications and estimated blood loss. RESULTS: Both treatments significantly increased cervical distensibility. Baseline dilatation was greater in the mifepristone group. The force required to dilate the cervix was significantly reduced in mifepristone-treated patients. There was a good correlation between the two different methods of assessment of the mechanical properties of the cervix only in the gemeprost group. CONCLUSION: Cervagem and mifepristone can be used to increase cervical distensibility. Cervical dilatation is easier with a 48 h regimen of mifepristone than with gemeprost.

Abortifacient Agents, Nonsteroidal↗
PubMed1995

Spontaneously changing gravid cervix: clinical implications and prognostic features.

PURPOSE: To assess the implications of spontaneous changes in the length and configuration of the gravid cervix during a single ultrasound (US) examination and to correlate specific cervical dimensions with pregnancy outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sonograms in 27 pregnant patients with a spontaneously changing cervix were studied prospectively. The length and width of cervical funneling and the length of intact cervix caudal to the funneling were measured when the cervical dimensions were most normal and most abnormal. Sonographic measurements were correlated with clinical and delivery data. RESULTS: Twenty patients delivered preterm, although only six delivered within a week of the US examination. Wider funneling of the internal os and a shorter segment of intact cervix caudal to the funneling both correlated with an increased likelihood of preterm delivery. CONCLUSION: Most patients with a spontaneously changing cervix deliver preterm. Measurements obtained when the cervix appears most abnormal are most predictive of early delivery.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Double cervix with bilateral and synchronous HSIL associated with different high-risk HPV types. A case report.

BACKGROUND: High grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) of the cervix is well known to be associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HSIL and invasive carcinomas occurring synchronously in genital malformations, such as a double cervix, have been reported. It has been postulated that the field effect phenomenon of HPV infection is responsible for this synchronous infection. However, there is no information in the literature on the specific types of HPV causing the concomitant lesions in cases with a double cervix. CASE: A 33-year-old nulligravida with a double cervix and a single uterine corpus was diagnosed with bilateral HSIL on Papanicolaou-stained ThinPrep slides (Cytyc Corp., Boxborough, Massachusetts, U.S.A.). A bilateral loop electrosurgical excision procedure cone biopsy revealed HSIL involving both cervices. DNA extracted from the HSIL lesions was analyzed by a polymerase chain reaction-based assay for the presence of HPV. High-risk HPV type 33 was identified in the right cervix, while HPV type 35 was present in the left. CONCLUSION: Demonstration of high-risk HPV types bilaterally supported the etiologic role of HPV infection in the synchronous and bilateral occurrence of HSIL in this case of a double cervix. The HPV types were different in the right and left cervices.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Growth-promoting effects of relaxin and related compositional changes in the uterus, cervix, and vagina of the rat.

Although the precise role of relaxin has yet to be elucidated, it has been implicated in the regulation of physiological and biochemical processes in the reproductive tract during pregnancy and parturition. In this study, the growth-promoting effects of relaxin and related compositional changes in the uterus, cervix, and vagina of immature ovariectomized estrogen-primed rats were examined. Relaxin increased the wet weight of the uterus, cervix, and vagina in a significant and linear manner over the log of the dose range (1-30 micrograms; 6 h). The increase in uterine weight was due to increases in both dry weight and water content at all doses. A dose of 1 microgram relaxin induced maximal increases in dry weights in the cervix and vagina over control values; higher doses increased wet weight, but these changes were due solely to increases in water content. Thirty micrograms of relaxin were found to increase total soluble protein and glycogen content of the vagina above control values after 6 h. Relaxin did not alter the total collagen levels of the uterus or cervix, and collagen concentrations were significantly reduced in these organs 6 and 24 h after treatment. Total glycosaminoglycan levels were elevated by relaxin in the uterus (6 h) and cervix (24 h). Total vaginal collagen was increased 24 h after relaxin injection, but the collagen concentration was decreased over the time interval studied, and glycosaminoglycan levels in the vagina were unaltered. In summary, relaxin stimulates growth of the uterus, cervix, and vagina by increasing water content and tissue mass. The increases in distensibility that relaxin induces in these organs appear to be related to changes in the fluid matrix and proteoglycan metabolism rather than alterations in collagen concentration, at least 6-24 h after a single injection. These results support the hypothesis that relaxin plays a significant role in the maintenance of pregnancy through its contribution to fetal accommodation and in the facilitation of parturition through expansion of the entire birth canal.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

Relaxin increases the accumulation of new epithelial and stromal cells in the rat cervix during the second half of pregnancy.

Both cervical and vaginal growth are relaxin dependent during rat pregnancy. We recently reported a relaxin-dependent 1.5-fold increase in cervical and vaginal DNA content from midpregnancy until term. This finding indicated that relaxin probably promotes cervical and vaginal growth at least in part by promoting cellular proliferation. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify cells in the cervix and vagina that proliferate during the second half of rat pregnancy in response to relaxin. Primiparous pregnant rats were ovariectomized or sham ovariectomized (group C; n = 8) on day 9 of pregnancy (D9). Ovariectomized rats were then treated with physiological doses of progesterone plus estrogen (n = 7) or progesterone, estrogen, and porcine relaxin (n = 7). Cellular proliferation was determined by continuously administering a low dose of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) via miniature osmotic pump from D9-D22. On D22, cervices and vaginas were collected, fixed in formalin, paraffin embedded, and serially sectioned (4 microm). Adjacent serial sections were either immunostained for BrdU to assess cell proliferation or stained with hematoxylin to determine total cell number. Cell proliferation was evaluated by counting BrdU-positive nuclei and total nuclei in the same area on adjacent sections. Cell counts were determined using computerized digital morphometric analysis at x575. In control rats, nearly 75% of the epithelial cells and 55% of the stromal cells within the cervix at term had proliferated during the second half of pregnancy. The accumulation of approximately half of the new cells was relaxin dependent. Within the cervical stroma, relaxin increased the accumulation of cells associated with blood vessels and also the number of isolated cells (probably fibroblasts). Relaxin did not appear to affect smooth muscle cell proliferation in the cervix. In contrast to the cervix, a minority of vaginal epithelial cells (45%) and stromal cells (20%) proliferated during the second half of pregnancy. Although relaxin appeared to have a tendency to increase the accumulation of new vaginal epithelial and stromal cells, morphometric analysis did not provide support for such an effect. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that relaxin promotes a marked increase in the accumulation of new epithelial cells and stromal cells within the cervix. The relaxin-induced increase in new epithelial and stromal cells probably contributes to relaxin's effects on growth and remodeling of the cervix that are required for rapid and safe delivery.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

An antiprogesterone, onapristone, enhances the gene expression of promatrix metalloproteinase 3/prostromelysin-1 in the uterine cervix of pregnant rabbit.

Using a progesterone receptor antagonist, onapristone/ZK 98.299, we examined the in-vivo effects of progesterone on the function of uterine cervix during pregnancy. Onapristone was intravenously administered to pregnant rabbits on day 20 post coitum. After 24 h, the antiprogesterone increased the wet weight of the uterine cervix and decreased the DNA concentration in the cervix. In-situ hybridization also indicated that antiprogesterone augmented the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3/stromelysin-1 mRNA in the uterine cervix. These changes are very similar to those observed and reported thus far in ripened and dilated uterine cervix. These results suggest that during pregnancy, progesterone closely participates in the maintenance of the function of uterine cervix by preventing the production of MMPs and thereby destruction of extracellular matrix, and thus add support to the theory that antiprogesterone has the potential to accelerate for the uterine cervical ripening and dilatation.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Endogenous hyaluronan: a cytokine-like factor present in rabbit uterine cervix during pregnancy.

The effects of endogenous hyaluronan on cervical ripening during pregnancy were examined in rabbits. Hyaluronan of approximately 620 kilodalton (kDa) was detected in the uterine cervix on the 25th and 29th days of pregnancy, while it was not detected in cervix of non-pregnant animals. In addition, low-molecular-weight (less than 191 kDa) hyaluronan was present in cervix at the 29th day of pregnancy. Hyaluronan level in the cervix was lower on the 29th day than on the 25th day of pregnancy, whereas that in serum was significantly higher on the 29th day than on the 25th day of pregnancy. To clarify the physiological functions of endogenous hyaluronan, the effects of hyaluronan (HA600-700), which had approximately equal to endogenous hyaluronan, on uterine cervical tissues and uterine cervical fibroblasts were examined. Rabbits at the 23rd day of pregnancy were administered a vaginal suppository of HA600-700 (20 mg) daily for three days. Promotion of cervical ripening was observed, as well as detachment of collagen fiber bundles, and a reduced density of collagen fiber distribution. Total collagenolytic activity was increased significantly by HA600-700 (1.0 mg/ml) treatment in cultured uterine cervical explants of pregnant rabbits as compared with the untreated group. Moreover, very similar effects of HA600-700 treatment (0.1, 1.0 mg/ml) were observed in cultured uterine cervical fibroblasts. Further, in tissue cultures, but not cell cultures, of pregnant rabbit cervix, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production was enhanced by HA600-700 treatment. Therefore, it appears that endogenous hyaluronan is closely concerned with cervical ripening and dilatation in uterine cervix of pregnant rabbits.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A sonographic short cervix as the only clinical manifestation of intra-amniotic infection.

OBJECTIVE: A sonographically short cervix is a powerful predictor of spontaneous preterm delivery. However, the etiology and optimal management of a patient with a short cervix in the mid-trimester of pregnancy remain uncertain. Microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and intra-amniotic inflammation are frequently present in patients with spontaneous preterm labor or acute cervical insufficiency. This study was conducted to determine the rate of MIAC and intra-amniotic inflammation in patients with a cervical length < 25 mm in the mid-trimester. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of patients referred to our high risk clinic because of a sonographic short cervix or a history of a previous preterm birth. Amniocenteses were performed for the evaluation of MIAC and for karyotype analysis in patients with a short cervix. Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, as well as genital mycoplasmas. Patients with MIAC were treated with antibiotics selected by their physician. RESULTS: Of 152 patients with a short cervix at 14-24 weeks, 57 had amniotic fluid analysis. The prevalence of MIAC was 9% (5/57). Among these patients, the rate of preterm delivery (< 32 weeks) was 40% (2/5). Microorganisms isolated from amniotic fluid included Ureaplasma urealyticum (n=4) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (n=1). Patients with a positive culture for Ureaplasma urealyticum received intravenous Azithromycin. Three patients with Ureaplasma urealyticum had a sterile amniotic fluid culture after treatment, and subsequently delivered at term. The patient with Fusobacterium nucleatum developed clinical chorioamnionitis and was induced. CONCLUSION: (1) Sub-clinical MIAC was detected in 9% of patients with a sonographically short cervix (< 25 mm); and (2) maternal parenteral treatment with antibiotics can eradicate MIAC caused by Ureaplasma urealyticum. This was associated with delivery at term in the three patients whose successful treatment was documented by microbiologic studies.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Phenotypic modulation of fibroblastic cells in the mucous layer of the human uterine cervix at term.

The uterine cervix is a dynamic structure with a high capacity to adapt to different, even opposing, roles during the sequence of physiological events of gestation (for example, acting as a barrier to retain the fetus during pregnancy and dilating to allow delivery at term). Histoarchitectural changes of the uterine cervix allow its successful adaptation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether fibroblastic cell plasticity, described in the lamina propria of the rat uterine cervix at term, could be observed in women too. Biopsy specimens of non-pregnant and intrapartum human cervices were studied under the transmission electron microscope, and cytoskeletal differentiation markers were identified by immunohistochemistry under the light microscope. Desmin-positive cells were present in the mucous layer of the cervix during labour. These cells displayed cytoplasmic processes (typical of myofibroblasts) that also stained positively for vimentin. The main ultrastructural features for defining the myofibroblast under the electron microscope were also observed in these cells. However, cervices of non-pregnant women contained resident fibroblasts at the same location. Examination of the differentiation repertoire of fibroblastic cells in the mucous layer of the uterine cervix resulted in the characterization of myofibroblasts at term. The implications of the plasticity of fibroblastic-myofibroblastic cells in the physiological changes displayed in the uterine cervix during pregnancy, labour and postpartum involution require further investigation.

Biomarkers↗
PubMed1981

Effects of some drugs on ripening of uterine cervix in nonpregnant castrated and pregnant rats.

The stimulating effect of some drugs on the ripening of the uterine cervix in rats was studied by measuring the wet weight of the uterine cervix and by both light and electron microscopy in nonpregnant castrated and pregnant conditions. Since the light and electron microscopic findings after estrogen (E) administration to castrated rats were similar to those found in the uterine cervix of rats at the end of pregnancy, it was concluded that E (E2 greater than or equal to E3 greater than or equal to E1) plays a major role in the ripening mechanism. It was also found that DHA-S, progesterone and relaxin had stimulating effects on cervical ripening. Oxytocin and PG (PGE2 greater than PGF2 alpha) showed the ripening activity only in pregnant condition. Moreover, oxytocin, PGE2 and PGF2 alpha potentiated the estrogen action. The effects on the increase in wet weight of the uterine cervix and microscopic findings due to DHA-S were different from E in castrated rats. It is therefore postulated that the effect of DHA-S might be mainly due to the secondary increase in E converted from DHA-S in the ovary and, in addition, to a direct effect of this medicament on the uterine cervix. There was essentially no difference in ultrastructure between the cervix of control (nonpregnant, castrated or pregnant) rats and that of rats treated with HCG, isoxsuprine hydrochloride, dihydroergotoxine, diazepam or n-butylscopolammonium bromide.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Sonography of the cervix during the third trimester of pregnancy: value of the transperineal approach.

Transabdominal sonography reliably depicts the cervix during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, but cervical visualization becomes increasingly difficult as the third trimester progresses. To evaluate the possibility of using a perineal approach to bypass the fetus and image the cervix during the third trimester, we used transperineal sonography to image the cervix of 158 third-trimester patients in whom transabdominal visualization was inadequate. The internal os and upper cervix were successfully visualized on transperineal sonograms in all 158 patients, but the region of the external os was obscured by rectal gas in 22 (14%) cases. In some patients in whom the external portion of the cervix was obscured by bowel gas, the problem could be overcome by scanning with the patient in the lateral decubitus position or by rotating the patient. Transperineal sonography is an effective technique for imaging the cervix during the third trimester of pregnancy, allowing cervical visualization in most patients in whom transabdominal sonography of this area is unsuccessful.

Cervix Uteri↗
PubMed1997

Epstein-Barr virus DNA in the uterine cervix of teenage girls.

OBJECTIVES: To: (i) evaluate longitudinally the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA in the cervix of healthy teenage girls, (ii) relate the presence of cervical EBV DNA to virginity or sexual experience, and (iii) relate the occurrence of cervical EBV DNA to the presence of specific IgG antibodies to EBV virus capsid antigen (EBV-VCA) in serum and to signs of genital infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six teenage girls were followed for 2 years between the ages of 16 and 18 years. A sexual history was taken and a gynecological examination was performed on each occasion. The presence of EBV DNA in the cervix and of EBV VCA antibodies in serum was determined on each occasion. RESULTS: Coitus debut was reported by 23/36 girls (64%) and by 31/36 (86%) at 16- and 18-years of age, respectively. Two girls (only one with sexual debut) harbored EBV DNA in the cervix at 16 years of age. At the age of 18, no EBV DNA was found in these two girls, but another three girls carried EBV DNA in the cervix. All were sexually active and reported 1, 4 and 7 life-time sexual partners respectively. Serum EBV-VCA antibodies were found in 83% of the 16-year old girls and in 89% of the 18-year old girls (no significant difference between sexually experienced and virginal girls at either age). All the girls with cervical EBV DNA had antibodies against EBV-VCA. None of the girls with EBV DNA were found to carry HPV DNA or have a chlamydial infection in the cervix at any time during the study. There was no significant difference in the number of girls with a cervix secretion predominated by leucocytes between girls with positive and negative cervical EBV DNA samples. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that among these healthy teenage girls the non-sexual route of transmission of EBV is more plausible than the sexual one.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1983

Relationships among type of parturition, type of discharge from genital tract, involution of cervix, and subsequent reproductive performance in Holstein cows.

Data were from 492 Holstein cows calved between October, 1976, and May, 1977, in eight herds in Michigan. Diameter of the cervix of each cow was estimated by palpation at 8 to 21 days postpartum and again 2 wk later. Parturition and postpartum discharge from the genital tract were classified as normal or abnormal. Size of the cervix between 12 and 26 days postpartum was classified as small, medium, or large within two parity groups. Incidence of abnormal parturition and incidence of abnormal postpartum discharge were 14.1 and 38.0%. Involution of the cervix was affected by parity and type of postpartum discharge. Involution of the cervix occurred sooner postpartum in primiparous than in multiparous cows and sooner postpartum in cows with normal discharge than in cows with abnormal discharge. The greatest difference in cervix diameter between cows with normal or abnormal discharges was 10 mm at 3 wk postpartum. Days from parturition to first detected estrus and first service were extended by abnormal postpartum discharge but not by abnormal parturition. First-service conception rate was lower and days from parturition to conception were higher in cows with medium or large cervices compared to cows with small cervices. Type of postpartum discharge and size of cervix early postpartum may be useful for predicting subsequent reproductive performance in dairy cows.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Ki-67 immunostaining in Pap smears of cervix: assessment of proliferation in preinvasive and invasive squamous epithelial lesions.

Ki-67 is a novel proliferation marker. Its use has been extensively studied in biopsy sections of preinvasive and invasive squamous epithelial lesions of cervix. However, only limited work has been done on its application on Pap smears of cervix. We applied Ki-67 immunostaining on cytology smears of various grades of squamous epithelial lesions of cervix. Sixty cases were chosen for immunostaining by Peroxidase antiperoxidase method using DAB as a chromogen. High level of Ki-67 labelled proliferation was measured in squamous cell carcinomas of cervix. Statistically significant difference was observed between preinvasive and invasive squamous epithelial lesions of cervix. Ki-67 could prove as a useful adjunctive test to routine Pap smear in triage of patients harboring lesions of cervix.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗
PubMed2004

Melanin containing cells of the uterine cervix and a possible histogenesis--a case report.

A 30 year old nulligravidfemale attended gynaecological OPD for investigation of primary infertility. Local examination revealed presence of a dark pigmented area in the posterior lip of the cervix. The biopsy from cervix showed, squamous metaplasia of the lining epithelium with presence of granules of melanin pigment in the basal layer. Schmorl's stain for melanin and immunohistochemical staining for S-100 and HMB-45 showed strong positivity in these cells. Melanosis of the uterine cervix is usually an incidental finding in females with uterine prolapse in their fifth and sixth decade. The origin of melanin containing cells in the uterine cervix is debatable till date. Amongst the various possibilities for the origin of these cells in the uterine cervix, neural origin is probably more acceptable than epithelial cell origin. The combined expression of melanocytic and Schwanian markers in the index case, suggest a biphasic differentiation of melanin containing cells in the uterine cervix. Although the exact histogenesis and clinical significance of these are still unknown, a long term follow-up is needed to study the nature of these lesions to look for any precursor lesion for development of malignant melanoma.

Adult↗