Lipiodol alters murine uterine dendritic cell populations: a potential mechanism for the fertility-enhancing effect of lipiodol.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether treatment with lipiodol alters the leukocyte population in the uterus.


METHODS
Randomized controlled animal study.


METHODS
University research laboratory.


METHODS
Sixty female Swiss white mice at proestrous.


METHODS
Infusion of the female reproductive tract with lipiodol versus infusion with saline versus sham treatment.


METHODS
Counts of uterine macrophages, dendritic cells, and total leukocytes assessed by immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found in the mean number of total leukocytes or macrophages between the three treatment groups. The mean number of CD205+ dendritic cells showed a statistically significant decrease following lipiodol treatment compared with the sham treatment and saline treatment. The mean number of CD1+ dendritic cells showed a statistically significant increase following lipiodol treatment compared with the sham treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Intrauterine lipiodol infusion is associated with a change in the uterine dendritic cell populations in mice. This change may alter the uterine immune response to the fetus, leading to improved fertility.
Johnson
Neil Phillip
NP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Bhattu
Santwona
S
Wagner
Angela
A
Blake
Deborah Adella
DA
Chamley
Lawrence William
LW
D000818:Animals; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005299:Fertility Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D007459:Iodized Oil / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D014599:Uterus / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*
D005299:Fertility Agents; D007459:Iodized Oil