Histological changes and transglutaminase 2 expression in the oviduct of advanced pregnant cows.

The oviduct is a dynamic organ that has not been assigned specific functions during advanced pregnancy. However, since changes in the oviductal epithelium during the estrous cycle are attributed mainly to variations in estradiol (E2) levels, and E2 levels increase along pregnancy, we hypothesized that advanced pregnant cows should present changes in the oviductal epithelium. In advanced pregnant cows, the oviducts showed higher leaf-like folds and lower mucosa width and epithelium height than those of cycling animals. Also, PAS-positive apical protrusions and TUNEL-positive extruded cytoplasmic material were observed in advanced pregnant cows. Oviductal fluid from advanced pregnant cows showed lower protein concentration than that from cycling cows. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) was detected exclusively in oviductal fluid of pregnant cows but not in cells from any stage, whereas its mRNA was detected in different amounts in cells from all stages. This protein was identified by LC/MS-MS and its identity was corroborated by Western blot. The observations in histology of the epithelium and the presence of TG2 in oviductal fluid correlate with high levels of E2 in serum. In conclusion, important histological changes in the oviductal epithelium and secretion of TG2 to the oviductal fluid appear to be triggered by the high E2 levels exclusive of advanced pregnancy.

Sperm migration in the genital tract-In silico experiments identify key factors for reproductive success.

Sperm migration in the female genital tract controls sperm selection and, therefore, reproductive success as male gametes are conditioned for fertilization while their number is dramatically reduced. Mechanisms underlying sperm migration are mostly unknown, since in vivo investigations are mostly unfeasible for ethical or practical reasons. By presenting a spatio-temporal model of the mammalian female genital tract combined with agent-based description of sperm motion and interaction as well as parameterizing it with bovine data, we offer an alternative possibility for studying sperm migration in silico. The model incorporates genital tract geometry as well as biophysical principles of sperm motion observed in vitro such as positive rheotaxis and thigmotaxis. This model for sperm migration from vagina to oviducts was successfully tested against in vivo data from literature. We found that physical sperm characteristics such as velocity and directional stability as well as sperm-fluid interactions and wall alignment are critical for success, i.e. sperms reaching the oviducts. Therefore, we propose that these identified sperm parameters should be considered in detail for conditioning sperm in artificial selection procedures since the natural processes are normally bypassed in reproductive in vitro technologies. The tremendous impact of mucus flow to support sperm accumulation in the oviduct highlights the importance of a species-specific optimum time window for artificial insemination regarding ovulation. Predictions from our extendable in silico experimental system will improve assisted reproduction in humans, endangered species, and livestock.

Curvature in the reproductive tract alters sperm-surface interactions.

The fallopian tube is lined with a highly complex folded epithelium surrounding a lumen that progressively narrows. To study the influence of this labyrinthine complexity on sperm behavior, we use droplet microfluidics to create soft curved interfaces over a range of curvatures corresponding to the in vivo environment. We reveal a dynamic response mechanism in sperm, switching from a progressive surface-aligned motility mode at low curvatures (larger droplets), to an aggressive surface-attacking mode at high curvatures (smaller droplets of <50 µm-radius). We show that sperm in the attacking mode swim ~33% slower, spend 1.66-fold longer at the interface and have a 66% lower beating amplitude than in the progressive mode. These findings demonstrate that surface curvature within the fallopian tube alters sperm motion from a faster surface aligned locomotion in distal regions to a prolonged physical contact with the epithelium near the site of fertilization, the latter being known to promote capacitation and fertilization competence.

Diameter Estimation of Fallopian Tubes Using Visual Sensing.

Calculating an accurate diameter of arbitrary vessel-like shapes from 2D images is of great use in various applications within medical and biomedical fields. Understanding the changes in morphological dimensioning of the biological vessels provides a better understanding of their properties and functionality. Estimating the diameter of the tubes is very challenging as the dimensions change continuously along its length. This paper describes a novel algorithm that estimates the diameter of biological tubes with a continuously changing cross-section. The algorithm, evaluated using various controlled images, provides an automated diameter estimation with higher and better accuracy than manual measurements and provides precise information about the diametrical changes along the tube. It is demonstrated that the automated algorithm provides more accurate results in a much shorter time. This methodology has the potential to speed up diagnostic procedures in a wide range of medical fields.

Anatomia do sistema reprodutor feminino de Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766) / [Anatomy of the female reproductive system of the Alouatta belzebul (Linnaeus, 1766)]

O conhecimento da anatomia de qualquer animal silvestre é de fundamental importância para sua preservação e proteção. Neste contexto, o presente estudo objetivou descrever a morfologia do sistema reprodutor feminino de Alouatta belzebul. Foram utilizados seis espécimes de A. belzebul, fêmeas, adultas, e livres de lesões. Observou-se macroscopicamente que os ovários têm características morfológicas em formato ovoides, com superfície lisa, e, na análise histológica na região de córtex, evidenciou-se folículos ovarianos em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. As tubas uterinas anatomicamente são finas e curvilíneas, apresentando uma camada mucosa, uma muscular e outra serosa. O útero possui formato simples, com fundo globoso, com um miométrio altamente vascularizado, sendo organizado em feixes de fibras musculares lisas. A estrutura anatômica da vagina apresentou-se como um tubo muscular longo de paredes finas, onde, na região vestibular, o óstio externo da uretra é marcado por uma papila uretral bilobada e, na região de vulva, em sua porção caudal, contatou-se um clitóris bem desenvolvido. No que concerne à análise histológica da vagina, verificou-se, em região de mucosa vaginal, um extrato basal composto por epitélio estratificado pavimentoso não queratinizado atrófico. As descrições morfológicas fornecem, de forma inédita, informações importantes relativas à anatomia macroscópica e microscópica do sistema reprodutor feminino dessa espécie.(AU)

Knowledge of the anatomy of any wild animal is of fundamental importance for its preservation and protection. In this context the present study aimed to describe the morphology of the female reproductive system of A. belzebul. We used 6 specimens of A. belzebul, female, adult and free of lesions. It was macroscopically observed that the ovaries are ovoid with smooth surface and the histological analysis in cortical region showed ovarian follicles in different stages of development. The fallopian tubes are anatomically thin and curvilinear, with one mucous layer, one muscular and one serous layer. The uterus was presented in a simple format with a globular fundus, with a highly vascularized myometrium, being organized in bundles of smooth muscle fibers. The anatomical structure of the vagina presented itself as a long thin-walled muscular tube where in the vestibular region the external orifice of the urethra is marked by a bilobed urethral papilla and in the caudal portion in its caudal portion a well-developed clitoris. Regarding the histological analysis of the vagina, a basal extract composed of atrophic non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium was found in the vaginal mucosa region. The morphological descriptions provide important information regarding the macroscopic and microscopic anatomy of the female reproductive system of this species in an unprecedented way.(AU)

Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica).

The conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non-destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde-fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10-12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p > .05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.

Evolutionary sequences in mammalian reproductive biology.

Broad biological aspects and accepted evolutionary sequences may offer useful guidance towards a comprehensive explanation of the function of mammalian ovaries and oviducts and their vital contribution to the events of fertilization. Cooling of the preovulatory follicles before ovulation may well have its roots in the primitive stages of external fertilization in which aggregates of oocytes are shed into freshwater.

Roles of steroid hormones in oviductal function

The oviduct (known as the fallopian tube in humans) is the site for fertilization and pre-implantation embryo development. Female steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, are known to modulate the morphology and function of cells in the oviduct. In this review, we focus on the actions of estrogen and progesterone on secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions and morphologies during fertilization, pre-implantation embryo development, and embryo transport in humans, laboratory rodents and farm animals. We review some aspects of oviductal anatomy and histology and discuss current assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) that bypass the oviduct and their effects on embryo quality. Lastly, we review the causes of alterations in secretory, ciliated, and muscle cell functions that could result in embryo transport defects.

Reproductive biology, morphology, and morphometry of ovaries and oviducts of Trachemys scripta elegans in Brazilian Cerrado / Biologia reprodutiva, morfologia e morfometriade ovários e ovidutos de Trachemys scripta elegans no Cerrado Brasileiro

Although Trachemys scripta elegans is an exotic species popular as a pet in Brazil, studies on reproductive biology and capacity are non-existent in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study analyzed ovarian and oviduct characteristics and the egg production capacity of T. scripta elegans grown in this biome. The findings will associate with the size of the specimens and the sexual maturity, aiming at comparisons with native and exotic populations, as well as interspecific and contributing to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. Thus, 39 females had evaluated the body biometry and the morphology and morphometry of the ovaries and oviducts. G2 (N=20): with Class I (>5-10mm) follicles, with Class I and Class II (>10-fold) follicles, 25mm) and G3 (N=9) with Class I, Class II and Class III (>25mm) follicles. Analysis of variance, Scott-Knott's test, and Pearson's correlation analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in body biometry; in the mean gonadosomatic index and gonadal morphometry, only the width of the oviducts in the right antimer and the mass and width in the left antimer were higher in G3, the only one that presented eggs. There was positive and harmonic development between body mass, carapace, and plastron, and gonadal growth occurred concomitantly with body growth, indicating a higher reproductive potential and a positive relationship between the size of the litter and the female litter. The gonadosomatic index proved to be an excellent reproductive indicator, and the ovarian evaluation was a better indicator of sexual maturity than the maximum carapace length. Ovaries were irregular structures, without delimitation between the cortical and medullary regions and filled with vitelogenic follicles of different diameters, atresic follicles, and corpora lutea, which reflected the ovarian complexity of the species and the presence of follicular hierarchy. In the scarce stroma, two germinative beds were observed per ovary and the presence of gaps very close to the follicles and associated with the blood vessels. Analysis of gonadal tissue revealed three types of oocytes according to cytoplasmic characteristics: homogeneous, vesicular or vesicular in the cortex with apparent granules. Oviducts were functional and separated, joining only in the final portion to form the cloaca and subdivided into infundibulum, tuba, isthmus, uterus, and vagina. The structure of the uterine tube was composed of serosa, muscular and mucous, which was full of glands. The presence of eggs in the oviducts indicated that the specimens can reproduce in the Brazilian Cerrado. This study provides necessary and relevant information on the reproductive biology and capacity of T. scripta elegans in the Brazilian Cerrado and can contribute to the understanding of its impact on the invaded ecosystems and the establishment of eradication programs. The extraction of females with capacity can reduce the annual reproductive yield of the species and decrease its effect on local biodiversity.(AU)

Embora Trachemys scripta elegans seja uma espécie exótica popular como animal de estimação no Brasil, estudos sobre biologia e capacidade reprodutivas são inexistentes no Cerrado brasileiro. Este estudo analisou características ovarianas e do oviduto e a capacidade de produção de ovos em T. scripta elegans criadas neste bioma, correlacionando estes achados ao tamanho dos espécimes e a maturidade sexual, visando comparações com populações nativas e exóticas, bem como interespecíficas e contribuir para a compreensão de seu impacto nos ecossistemas invadidos e com o estabelecimento de programas de erradicação. Assim, 39 fêmeas tiveram avaliadas a biometria corporal e a morfologia e morfometria dos ovários e ovidutos. De acordo com o tamanho dos folículos ovarianos as fêmeas foram separadas em G1 (N= 10): com folículos Classe I (>5-10 mm), G2 (N= 20): com folículos Classe I e Classe II (>10-25 mm) e G3 (N= 9) com folículos Classe I, Classe II e Classe III (>25 mm). À análise de variância, teste de Scott-Knott e à análise de correlação de Pearson verificou-se que não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos na biometria corporal; no índice gonadossomático médio e na morfometria gonadal, apenas a largura dos ovidutos no antímero direito e a massa e a largura no antímero esquerdo foram maiores no G3, o único que apresentou ovos. Houve desenvolvimento positivo e harmônico entre massa corporal, carapaça e plastrão e o crescimento gonadal ocorreu concomitante ao crescimento corporal, indicando maior potencial reprodutivo e relação positiva entre o tamanho da ninhada de ovos e o da fêmea. O índice gonadossomático mostrou-se um bom indicador reprodutivo e a avaliação ovariana um melhor indicador da maturidade sexual que o comprimento máximo da carapaça. Ovários foram estruturas irregulares, sem delimitação entre a região cortical e medular e repletos de folículos vitelogênicos de diferentes diâmetros, folículos atrésicos e corpos lúteos, que refletiram a complexidade ovariana da espécie e a presença de hierarquia folicular. No estroma escasso foram observados dois leitos germinativos por ovário e a presença de lacunas muito próximas aos folículos e associadas aos vasos sanguíneos. A análise do tecido gonadal revelou três tipos de oócitos de acordo com as características do citoplasma: homogêneo, vesicular ou vesicular no córtex com grânulos aparentes. Ovidutos eram funcionais e separados, unindo-se apenas na porção final para formar a cloaca e subdividiam-se em infundíbulo, tuba uterina, istmo, útero e vagina. A estrutura da tuba uterina era constituída de serosa, muscular e mucosa, a qual era repleta de glândulas. A presença de ovos nos ovidutos indicou que os espécimes podem se reproduzir no cerrado brasileiro. Este estudo fornece informações básicas e relevantes da biologia e capacidade reprodutivas de T. scripta elegans no Cerrado brasileiro e pode contribuir com a compreensão de seu impacto nos ecossistemas invadidos e com o estabelecimento de programas de erradicação, uma vez que a extração de fêmeas com capacidade reprodutiva pode contribuir com a diminuição do rendimento reprodutivo anual da espécie e diminuir seu efeito sobre a biodiversidade local.(AU)

How many cell types form the epithelial lining of the human uterine tubes? Revision of the histological nomenclature of the human tubal epithelium.

INTRODUCTION: Many widely used international histological textbooks claim that the epithelium of the human uterine tube consists of two, three, and, eventually, four types of cells. Most discrepancies among these textbooks relate to debates regarding the presence or absence of basal cells, whether the peg/intercalary cells and secretory cells are the same or distinct cell populations, and if the epithelium contains a population of immunologically active cells (T- and B-lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages and dendritic cells) or dispersed endocrine cells. METHODS: Uterine tubes were obtained from 22 women (average age: 46.73 y) undergoing gynecological surgery. The women were in fertile age, mostly in the middle of the menstrual cycle (ovulation phase). Tissue samples were processed for immunohistochemistry using primary antibodies against proliferation markers (Ki67 and PCNA), immune system cells (CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD45RO, CD56, CD68, granzyme B and S100) and disperse endocrine cells (chromogranin A and synaptophysin). RESULTS: Most of the mature tubal epithelial cells, ciliated cells, and secretory cells were mitotically active (PCNA+), a population of basal undifferentiated cells was not identified. The dividing cells had a narrow-shaped nucleus (Ki67 positive). These cells were morphologically identical to - by the terminology mentioned - intercalary cells, assuming they represented actually dividing cells (epitheliocytus tubarius mitoticus). The tubal "basal cells" displayed small, hyperchromatic nuclei and very pale cytoplasm (clear cytoplasmic halo). They were located in the epithelium adjacent to the basement membrane, were non-mitotically active and their immunophenotype corresponded to intraepithelial regulatory T-lymphocytes (CD3+, CD8+, CD45RO+, CD4-, CD20-, CD56- and granzyme B-). Intraepithelial B-lymphocytes were only rarely identified. Intraepithelial NK cells, dendritic cells, macrophages and dispersed endocrine cells were not identified. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend replacing the term "epitheliocytus tubarius basalis" in the Terminologia Histologica with the term "lymphocytus T intraepithelialis tubarius", which represents intraepithelial regulatory T-cells (CD8+, CD45RO+) of the uterine tube. Additionally, we propose that intercalary/peg cells are actively dividing cells, instead of effete or degenerating cells. Finally, the histological nomenclature should be corrected in a way that peg/intercalary cells are not considered synonymous terms for secretory cells.

Morphology of the Uterotubal Junction of the Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Less than 7,000 cheetahs survive in the wild. Captive breeding has proved notoriously difficult. The uterotubal junction acts as major barrier and regulator to the passage of sperm. This study describes the morphology of the uterotubal junction of the cheetah. Reproductive tracts were obtained from seven cheetahs that succumbed from natural causes or were euthanized for humane reasons. The uterotubal junction was isolated and examined macroscopically and microscopically. The extramural isthmus made a characteristic 90° bend before entering the mesometrial border of the uterus close to its tip. The intramural isthmus had approximately four primary folds lined by nonciliated cuboidal to low cuboidal epithelium. The Tunica muscularis was robust, merged with its uterine counterparts and consisted of an inner circular layer and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layer. The uterine ostium opened via a muscular and glandular papilla that projected from the apex of the uterine lumen. A sharply demarcated circular zone of simple columnar epithelial cells surrounded the uterine ostium and separated the simple cuboidal to low cuboidal cells of the isthmus and uterine epithelium from each other. Branched tubulo-alveolar glands, some with dilated lumens, were present in the papilla and sometimes extended into the adjacent endometrium. These glands might act as sperm storage areas, and could easily be confused with cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Low transverse endometrial ridges surrounded the papilla and extended caudally for a short distance before disappearing. The uterine glands were lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium. Anat Rec, 302:1855-1864, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Anatomical and histological analysis of the salpinx and ovary in Anatolian wild goat (Capra aegagrus aegagrus).

BACKGROUND: This study determined the anatomical and histological structure of the salpinx and ovary of the Anatolian wild goat (C. aegagrus aegagrus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The salpinges and ovaries from four wild goats of similar ages were used. These goats were brought to the Kafkas University Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (Kars, Turkey) for various reasons such as traffic accidents or firearm injury, but either could not be saved or were euthanased. RESULTS: The mean length of the ovary was 13.22 ± 1.27 mm, width was 8.46 ± 0.88 mm, thickness was 5.67 ± 0.79 mm, and weight was 0.59 ± 0.17 g. The mean length of the salpinx was 58.11 ± 14.02 mm, width was 0.80 ± 0.22 mm, thickness was 0.41 ± 0.01 mm, and weight was 0.30 ± 0.08 g. The salpinx consisted of three different regions (infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus). These regions consisted of tunica mucosa, tunica muscularis, and tunica serosa. Prismatic epithelial cells were observed in the lamina epithelialis of the tunica mucosa in every region. CONCLUSIONS: The data resulting from this study regarding anatomical and histological structures of the salpinx and ovary in the genital system organs of Anatolian wild goat will support other studies seeking to improve reproductive efficiency and eliminate the danger of extinction of this species.

Lymphatic lacunae of the mucosal folds of human uterine tubes - A rediscovery of forgotten structures and their possible role in reproduction.

The mucosa of uterine tube forms multiple and branched longitudinal mucosal folds and takes part in many reproduction events, such as oocyte pick-up, gamete transport, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic development. In the habilitation thesis of German physician Paul Kroemer (1904) was the first to describe the lymphatic lacunae inside the tubal folds (by injection of Indian ink), which the author named the öLymphbahnen" (ölymphatic channels"). Despite the fact that this first description has existed for 110 years, there is no mention of these lacunae in most of the current literature. In this article we present a rediscovery of completely overlooked morphological structures of uterine tubes - the lymphatic lacunae in their mucosal folds. The specimens from the uterine tubes were taken from 72 women (mean age 46.25 years) who underwent transabdominal or laparoscopic salpingectomy. The tissue samples from anatomically different parts of the uterine tubes were used for hematoxylin and eosin staining and for immunohistochemistry. Primary antibodies were used to label and detect podoplanin D2-40, a selective marker of lymphatic endothelia, CD34 antigen, and von Willebrand factor (Factor VIII). In the histological slides of the uterine tubes, there were noticeable slits or gaps within the loose connective tissue of the lamina propria of the mucosal folds. They were lined with one layer of squamous endothelial cells. These öempty spaces" were most prominent in the fimbriae, but were still well recognizable in mucosal folds of the ampulla. They always run through the central part of the fold. As a results of immunohistochemistry, we confirmed that in the centre of every mucosal fold, as well as in the fimbriae of the uterine tubes, dilated lymphatic spaces were situated and were lined with a simple layer of lymphatic endothelial cells (positive for podoplanin and CD34, and negative for Factor VIII). As there is no mention on them in the current Terminologia Histologica, we proposed the term ölymphatic lacunae of tubal mucosal folds and fimbriae" in English and ölacunae lymphaticae plicae mucosae et fimbriae" in Latin. According to our hypothesis, these lymphatic lacunae may be responsible for the thickening of the fimbriae during the oocyte pick-up and the maintenance of the tubal fluid.

Which mode and potency of electrocoagulation yields the Smallest Unobstructed Area of the Fallopian Tubes? / Qual modo e potência produzem a menor área de nãoobstrução nas tubas de Falópio?

Abstract Objective To determine which mode and potency of electrocoagulation, using a modern electrosurgical generator, yields the smallest unobstructed area of the Fallopian tubes. Methods In an experimental study, tubes from 48 hysterectomies or tubal ligation were evaluated. Tubes were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: group A) 25 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group B) 30 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group C) 35 W x 5 seconds (n = 18), group D) 40 W x 5 seconds (n = 20); group E) 40 W x 5 seconds with visual inspection (blanch, swells, collapse) (n = 16); group F) 50 W x 5 seconds (n = 8). Bipolar electrocoagulation was performed in groups A to E, and monopolar electrocoagulation was performed in group F. Coagulation mode was used in all groups. Digital photomicrography of the transversal histological sections of the isthmic segment of the Fallopian tube were taken, and themedian percentage of unobstructed luminal area (mm2) was measured with ImageJ software (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The Kruskal-Wallis test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results Ninety-six Fallopian tube sections were analyzed. The smallest median occluded area (%; range) of the Fallopian tube was obtained in the group with 40 W with visual inspection (8.3%; 0.9-40%), followed by the groups 25 W (9.1%; 0-35.9%), 40 W (14.2; 0.9-43.2%), 30 W (14.2; 0.9-49.7%), 35 W (15.1; 3-46.4%) and 50 W (38.2; 3.1-51%). No statistically significant difference was found among groups (p = 0.09, Kruskal-Wallis test). Conclusion The smallest unobstructed area was obtained with power setting at 40 W with visual inspection using a modern electrosurgical generator. However, no statistically significant difference in the unobstructed area was observed among the groups using these different modes and potencies.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar em qual modo e potência, usando unidades geradoras modernas de eletrocoagulação, produz a menor área de não-obstrução das tubas de Falópio. Métodos Num estudo experimental, tubas uterinas derivadas de 48 histerectomias ou ligadura tubária foram avaliadas. As tubas foram alocadas aleatoriamente para um dos seguintes grupos: grupo A) 25 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo B) 30 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo C) 35 Wx 5 segundos (n = 18), grupo D) 40 W, 5 segundos (n = 20); grupo E) 40 W x 5 segundos inspeção visual (branqueia, incha e colapsa) (n = 16); grupo F) 50 Wx 5 segundos (n = 8). A eletrocoagulação bipolar foi usada nos grupos de A a E, e a eletrocoagulação monopolar, no grupo F. O modo de coagulação foi utilizado em todos os grupos. Cortes histológicos transversais do segmento ístmico das tubas de Falópio foram corados e fotografados digitalmente, e a percentagem da área luminal (mm2) não-obstruída foi medida com o software ImageJ (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). O teste de Kruskal-Wallis ou ANOVA foram usados para a análise estatística. Resultados Noventa e seis cortes histológicos de tubas de Falópio foram analisados. A mediana da menor área não-obstruída (%; amplitude) da tuba de Falópio foi obtida no grupo 40 W com inspeção visual (8,3%; 0,9-40%), seguido do grupo 25 W (9,1%; 0- 35,9%), 40W(14,2; 0,9-43,2%), 30 W(14.2; 0,9-49,7%), 35 W(15,1; 3-46,4%) e 50 W (38,2; 3.1-51%). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,09, teste de Kruskal-Wallis). Conclusão A menor área não-obstruída foi obtida com a potência de 40 W com inspeção visual usando um gerador moderno de eletrocirurgia. Contudo, nenhuma diferença significativa na área não-obstruída foi observada entre os grupos usando esses modos e potências.

Which mode and potency of electrocoagulation yields the Smallest Unobstructed Area of the Fallopian Tubes?

OBJECTIVE: To determine which mode and potency of electrocoagulation, using a modern electrosurgical generator, yields the smallest unobstructed area of the Fallopian tubes. METHODS: In an experimental study, tubes from 48 hysterectomies or tubal ligation were evaluated. Tubes were randomly allocated to one of the following groups: group A) 25 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group B) 30 W x 5 seconds (n = 17); group C) 35 W x 5 seconds (n = 18), group D) 40 W x 5 seconds (n = 20); group E) 40 W x 5 seconds with visual inspection (blanch, swells, collapse) (n = 16); group F) 50 W x 5 seconds (n = 8). Bipolar electrocoagulation was performed in groups A to E, and monopolar electrocoagulation was performed in group F. Coagulation mode was used in all groups. Digital photomicrography of the transversal histological sections of the isthmic segment of the Fallopian tube were taken, and the median percentage of unobstructed luminal area (mm2) was measured with ImageJ software (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). The Kruskal-Wallis test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-six Fallopian tube sections were analyzed. The smallest median occluded area (%; range) of the Fallopian tube was obtained in the group with 40 W with visual inspection (8.3%; 0.9-40%), followed by the groups 25 W (9.1%; 0-35.9%), 40 W (14.2; 0.9-43.2%), 30 W (14.2; 0.9-49.7%), 35 W (15.1; 3-46.4%) and 50 W (38.2; 3.1-51%). No statistically significant difference was found among groups (p = 0.09, Kruskal-Wallis test). CONCLUSION: The smallest unobstructed area was obtained with power setting at 40 W with visual inspection using a modern electrosurgical generator. However, no statistically significant difference in the unobstructed area was observed among the groups using these different modes and potencies.

OBJETIVO: Determinar em qual modo e potência, usando unidades geradoras modernas de eletrocoagulação, produz a menor área de não-obstrução das tubas de Falópio. MéTODOS: Num estudo experimental, tubas uterinas derivadas de 48 histerectomias ou ligadura tubária foram avaliadas. As tubas foram alocadas aleatoriamente para um dos seguintes grupos: grupo A) 25 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo B) 30 W x 5 segundos (n = 17); grupo C) 35 W x 5 segundos (n = 18), grupo D) 40 W, 5 segundos (n = 20); grupo E) 40 W x 5 segundos inspeção visual (branqueia, incha e colapsa) (n = 16); grupo F) 50 W x 5 segundos (n = 8). A eletrocoagulação bipolar foi usada nos grupos de A a E, e a eletrocoagulação monopolar, no grupo F. O modo de coagulação foi utilizado em todos os grupos. Cortes histológicos transversais do segmento ístmico das tubas de Falópio foram corados e fotografados digitalmente, e a percentagem da área luminal (mm2) não-obstruída foi medida com o software ImageJ (ImageJ, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA). O teste de Kruskal-Wallis ou ANOVA foram usados para a análise estatística. RESULTADOS: Noventa e seis cortes histológicos de tubas de Falópio foram analisados. A mediana da menor área não-obstruída (%; amplitude) da tuba de Falópio foi obtida no grupo 40 W com inspeção visual (8,3%; 0,9­40%), seguido do grupo 25 W (9,1%; 0­35,9%), 40W (14,2; 0,9­43,2%), 30 W (14.2; 0,9­49,7%), 35 W (15,1; 3­46,4%) e 50 W (38,2; 3.1­51%). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p = 0,09, teste de Kruskal-Wallis). CONCLUSãO: A menor área não-obstruída foi obtida com a potência de 40 W com inspeção visual usando um gerador moderno de eletrocirurgia. Contudo, nenhuma diferença significativa na área não-obstruída foi observada entre os grupos usando esses modos e potências.

Effects of natural environment on reproductive histo-morphometric dynamics of female dromedary camel.

Camel shows a seasonal breeding pattern with enhanced reproductive activity during the period of low climatic temperature, high rainfall and better food conditions. Therefore, the study was conducted to explore the underlying seasonal effects on histological dimensions of reproductive tract in adult female one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) kept in the natural environment of Pakistan. A total 25 reproductive tracts were collected during spring, summer, autumn and winter seasons and were analysed for histo-morphometric parameters during different environmental conditions. A significant increase in number (p<0.05) and size (p<0.05) of surface with secondary and tertiary ovarian follicles was observed in winter season. The epithelial height (p<0.05) and luminal diameter (p<0.05) of infundibulum, ampulla and isthmus of uterine tubes were also significantly increased during winter season. Moreover, significantly increased length (p<0.05) and circumference (p<0.05) of uterine cornua, increased number (p<0.001) and diameter (p<0.001) of endometrial glands with enlarged surface and glandular epithelia (p<0.001) were found in winter compared to summer season. Therefore, we concluded that quiescent ovarian follicular and uterine glandular activities are the main reason of camel low breeding during summer season.

Comparative Characterization of the External Genitalia and Reproductive Tubular Organs of Three Species of the Genus Saimiri Voigt, 1831 (Primates: Cebidae).

Morphological information on the reproductive system allows the understanding of ecological and behavioural aspects of different species as well as supports the development of conservational strategies. Unfortunately, for many species, not enough relevant and precise information is available. In the present study, we describe for the first time the macroscopic and histological aspects of female genital organs and external female genitalia of Saimiri macrodon, Saimiri cassiquiarensis and Saimiri vanzolinii. We perform a comparison between these three peripatric species and investigate the possibility of their reproductive morphology to act as a factor of reproductive isolation. We have found that these species share many similarities in most of the analysed organs. Although some important differences were identified that may play an important role in the evolution of the components of the reproductive system of these species, those differences are not enough to compose a mechanism of reproductive isolation for these three species of Saimiri. The results of this study may be used to support the development of biotechnological approaches of reproduction and strategies for conservation programmes and management of threatened species of this genus, particularly S. vanzolinii, considered to be a vulnerable species to extinction.

Microfluidic devices for the study of sperm migration.

Microfluidics technology offers us an opportunity to model the biophysical and biochemical environments encountered by sperm moving through the female reproductive tract and, at the same time, to study sperm swimming dynamics at a quantitative level. In humans, coitus results in the deposition of sperm in the vagina at the entrance to the cervix. Consequently, sperm must swim or be drawn through the cervix, uterus, uterotubal junction and oviductal isthmus to reach the oocyte in the oviductal ampulla. Only a very small percentage of inseminated sperm reach the ampulla in the periovulatory period, indicating that strong selection pressures act on sperm during migration. A better understanding of how sperm interact with the female tract would inspire improvements in diagnosis of fertility problems and development of novel-assisted reproductive technologies that minimize damage to sperm and mimic natural selection pressures on sperm.