Comparative ultrastructure of collagen fibrils in uterine leiomyomas and normal myometrium.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the ultrastructural characteristics of extracellular matrix and mature collagen fibrils in uterine leiomyomas and compare them with those in adjacent normal myometrium.


METHODS
Analysis of paired leiomyoma-myometrium in surgical specimens.


METHODS
Research center and tertiary care center.


METHODS
Women undergoing medically indicated hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Appearance and spatial orientation of the collagen fibrils in leiomyomas compared with myometrium.


RESULTS
Observation of specimens at x 12,500 magnification indicated that collagen fibrils were more abundant, loosely packed, and arrayed in a nonparallel manner in leiomyomas compared with myometrium. Random areas were examined at x 6,500 to x 64,000 magnification and revealed collagen fibrils of equal diameter in both leiomyomas and myometrium. However, an ordered and regular barbed appearance was present in collagen fibrils from myometrium but was lacking in leiomyomas.


CONCLUSIONS
Leiomyomas contain an abnormal collagen fibril structure and orientation, which suggests that the well-regulated fibril formation in myometrium is altered in leiomyomas. Alterations in collagen genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of leiomyomas.
Pediatric and Reproductive Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland, USA. leppertp@mail.nih.gov
Phyllis C
PC
Leppert
Thomas
T
Baginski
Cara
C
Prupas
William H
WH
Catherino
Susan
S
Pletcher
James H
JH
Segars
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D024022:Fibrillar Collagens / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009215:Myometrium / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D024022:Fibrillar Collagens