Immunohistochemical studies of the uterine cervix after CO2 laser conization.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the process of the maturation of cervical epithelium after CO2 laser conization.


METHODS
Specimens from the uterine cervix (248) resected from 31 premenopausal females who had hysterectomy after CO2 laser conization were studied with 2 kinds of anti-keratin monoclonal antibodies (PKK-1, KL-1).


RESULTS
(i) The epithelium covered stroma after 4-6 weeks. (ii) In the normal S-C junction, KL-1 was localized to the middle and upper layers, and PKK-1 to the basal layer. (iii) The staining patterns of KL-1 and PKK-1 in the S-C junctions after conization could be classified into 4 groups according to localization and staining intensity. (iv) The S-C junction appeared normal in all specimens 7 weeks after conization.


CONCLUSIONS
The regenerating epithelium covered the stroma within 4-6 weeks, but resolution of squamous epithelial metaplasia only occurred 7 weeks after conization.
Miyako
J
J
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shimane Medical University, Izumo, Japan.
Iwanari
O
O
Kitao
M
M
D000328:Adult; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007633:Keratins / Q000032:analysis; D053685:Laser Therapy; D013997:Time Factors; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology
D007633:Keratins