title: Structure of a radiate pseudocolony associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device.
abstract: Transmission electron microscopy of a radiate pseudocolony associated with an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) showed central bundles of extracellular fibers averaging 35 nm in diameter, surrounded by layered mantles of electron-dense, amorphous granular material. No bacterial, viral, or fungal structures were present. X-ray microanalysis revealed copper, sulfur, chloride, iron, and phosphorus; no calcium was found. It is postulated that these structures and histologically identical non-IUCD-associated granules from the female genital tract, as well as similar structures from other body locations, including those reported in colloid cysts of the third ventricle, are of lipofuscin origin.
mesh_terms: D004577:Electron Probe Microanalysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014599:Uterus / Q000648:ultrastructure*