Morphometric analysis of endometrial periglandular fibrosis in mares.
OBJECTIVE
To develop an objective, quantifiable assay for endometrial periglandular fibrosis (EPF) and correlate assay results with histologic and ultrastructural changes in equine endometrial biopsy specimens.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsy specimens from 70 mares from 3 to 27 years old in estrus.


METHODS
In a double-blinded study design, endometrial biopsy specimens were graded histologically (modified Kenney classification) for EPF and inflammation. Endometrial periglandular collagen volume fraction (%EPCVF) was determined by light microscopic image analysis of picrosirius red-stained sections. Specimens from selected mares were examined by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
%EPCVF values varied significantly among the 4 modified Kenney EPF categories (I, IIA, IIB, and III) and increased with increasing age of mares. Morphologically, EPF consisted of concentric layers of transformed fibroblasts with myofibroblastic features and deposition of fibrillar collagen around unaltered glandular basal laminae.


CONCLUSIONS
%EPCVF correlates well with morphologic changes in endometrial biopsy specimens. Determination of %EPCVF could be useful in evaluation and clinical management of subfertile mares and in investigations of the pathogenesis of EPF.
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211, USA.
T J
TJ
Evans
M A
MA
Miller
V K
VK
Ganjam
K D
KD
Niswender
M R
MR
Ellersieck
W J
WJ
Krause
R S
RS
Youngquist
D000818:Animals; D001706:Biopsy / Q000662:veterinary; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D006736:Horses; D008854:Microscopy, Electron / Q000662:veterinary; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*