Ultrastructural studies of the mucosa of the human uterine isthmus.
Transmission electron microscopy and ultracytochemical localization of alkaline phosphatase were employed to compare the glands of the isthmic mucosa with those of the fundal endometrium. Examination of 40 biopsies during various phases of the menstrual cycle and in the postmenopause have demonstrated the features of this transitional mucosa. The cyclic morphologic changes in the isthmus are almost identical with those of the glands of the basalis of the corpus. Alkaline phosphatase was demonstrated consistently on the plasma membranes of the isthmic mucosa but not on those of the glands of the basalis; technical considerations may in part explain these differences. Secretory activity was found in every phase of the cycle. The data from postmenopausal patients suggest the concept of migration of the isthmic mucosa toward the corpus uteri above the internal anatomical os.
D000328:Adult; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008598:Menstruation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014599:Uterus / Q000201:enzymology / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase