title: Morphological and Ultrastructural Changes in Human Endometrium Following Low-Dose Levonorgestrel Contraceptive Intrauterine Systems (LNG-IUS-12) 13.5 mg.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effect of low-dose levonorgestrel contraceptive intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS-12) on endometrial morphology and ultrastructure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty seven women who desired contraception were inserted LNG-IUS-12. Endometrial biopsies were collected during the late proliferative phase of the cycle before (control) and after the use of the LNG-IUS for 36 months. The changes of morphology and ultrastructure of endometrium tissue were observed by light microscope and transmission electron microscope.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After 36 months of use, the endometrial gland reduced in number and some were atrophic. A decidual change of stroma was present. Electronic microscopy demonstrated the presence of low columnar, karyopyknosis, and chromatin margination in the glandular epithelial cell. Some vacuolar degeneration in partial mitochondria and rough endoplasmic reticulum presented light extension. Changes could be concluded as cell inhibition of proliferation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems has a suppressive effect on endometrium that is similar to LNG-IUS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107#, West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 China.
authors.forename: Minghan
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107#, West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 China.
authors.forename: Shili
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Su
authors.affiliation: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, 107#, West Wenhua Road, Jinan, 250012 China.
authors.forename: Baihua
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dong
keywords: Light microscope; Low-dose levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems (LNG-IUS-12); Transmission electron microscope (TEM)