TITLE:
Cyclic Changes of Lymphatic and Venous Vessels in Human Endometrium
AUTHORS:
Tatsuo Tomita, Kuni Mah
KEYWORDS:
Factor-8, Human Endometrium, Lymphatic Vessels, LYVE-1, Venous Vessels
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pathology,
Vol.4 No.4,
October
21,
2014
ABSTRACT: Context: Cyclic
changes of endometrial arteries are well established but possible cyclic
changes of lymphatic and venous vessels have not been fully documented. There
are no published morphological reports to support cyclic changes of endometrial
lymphatic and venous vessels. Objective: Using cryosections of human
endometrium, this study aimed to unveil possible cyclic changes of lymphatic
and venous vessels. We previously reported cyclic changes of lymphatic vessels
in human endometrium using D2-40. Design: A total of 16 cases representing
menstrual, proliferative and mid and late secretary phase were studied. For
Immunocytochemical staining, lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor 1
and von Willebr and factor were used for lymphatic and venous vessels,
respectively. We used polyclonal LYVE-1 in this study, which revealed more
lymphatic vessels than using D2-40. Results: Residual lymphatic and venous
vessels were present in menstrual basalis. In Day 5 - 9 endometrium, there were
sparse lymphatic vessels but were numerous growing venous vessels in thin
proliferating functionalis. In Day 14 - 22 endometrium, there were scattered
lymphatic vessels and numerous venous vessels in functionalis. In Day 25 - 26
endometrium, there were many dilated lymphatic vessels and numerous dilated, disintegrating
venous vessels in upper functionalis than lower functionalis. Conclusion: The
above findings support that lymphatic vessels are sparse but venous vessels are
numerous in early proliferative functionalis. Lymphatic vessels grow from
basalis to thin functionalis. In premenstrual phase, lymphatic vessels
proliferate from lower to upper functionalis, and both lymphatic and venous
vessels disintegrate for shedding by this immunocytochemical study using
lymphatic and venous markers. Thus, all lymphatic, venous and arterial vessels
undergo menstrual cyclic changes and shed for menstruation.