The distribution of extracellular matrix in the human uterus

Metaxa-Mariatou, Vasiliki (2000) The distribution of extracellular matrix in the human uterus. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

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Printed Thesis Information: https://eleanor.lib.gla.ac.uk/record=b2039456

Abstract

Several lines of evidence suggest that there may be a distinction between the inner and outer myometrium. Magnetic resonance imaging has shown that the uterus of women of reproductive age consists of three layers, in addition, transvaginal ultrasound has revealed that peristaltic waves, during the course of the normal menstrual cycle, emanate only from the inner myometrial muscle. Finally histological findings have suggested that there is a three-fold increase in the nuclear density of the inner compared to the outer myometrium, hi addition, trophoblast invasion is restricted to the inner third of the myometrium. Based on these lines of evidence it was postulated that there could be a difference in extracellular matrix between inner and outer myometrial smooth muscle. To test this hypothesis, the distribution of different laminin chains, collagen IV and elastin were examined in the human uterus, hi addition observations were made to determine whether there was tissue specificity of laminin type expression. Forty-four hysterectomy specimens were collected, from women undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions, representing all phases of the menstrual cycle. These also included specimens from patients who had been treated with intrauterine levonorgestrel (MirenaRTM). Cryo- and paraffin embedded sections were prepared. Immunocytochemistry was carried out using monoclonal antibodies directed to the alpha2, beta1, beta2, and gamma1 laminin chains, collagen IV, elastin, CD31 and the 68kD neurofilament protein. Digital imaging, by microscopy and scanning, was undertaken and novel image analysis methods were developed to examine the myometrial distribution of extracellular matrix proteins. Elastin detection was confirmed by orcein staining. As predicted collagen IV and the gamma1 laminin chain were present in the basement membranes of the vascular smooth muscle, myometrial smooth muscle, vascular-endothelium and endometrial epithelium. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
Qualification Level: Masters
Keywords: Medicine.
Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
Supervisor's Name: Campbell, Dr. Steven
Date of Award: 2000
Depositing User: Enlighten Team
Unique ID: glathesis:2000-73907
Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
Date Deposited: 14 Jun 2019 08:56
Last Modified: 28 Jul 2022 11:09
Thesis DOI: 10.5525/gla.thesis.73907
URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/73907

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