In-vivo microscopy of the rat endometrial subepithelial capillary plexus during the oestrous cycle and after ovariectomy.
Blood flow through the endometrium was visualized by using incident-light fluorescence microscopy and a video image recorded for later detailed analysis. The subepithelial microvascular density was calculated for each day of the oestrous cycle and at 7 days after ovariectomy. The results showed that the microvasculature was significantly more dense at dioestrus I, pro-oestrus, and after ovariectomy than at oestrus, with dioestrus II being in between. Mean capillary path lengths running from arteriole to venule were longest at pro-oestrus, followed by oestrus, dioestrus II, dioestrus I, and shortest after ovariectomy. The results suggest that endometrial growth and regression precede microvascular growth and regression. The technique of in-vivo microscopy provides an important new avenue for investigating the role of local factors in the control of the endometrial microcirculation.
Rogers
P A
PA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Macpherson
A M
AM
D000818:Animals; D002196:Capillaries; D004717:Endometrium / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000098:blood supply*; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000295:instrumentation; D010052:Ovariectomy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014741:Video Recording