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Ultrastructural characterization of whole hydrosalpinx from infertile Chinese women
Author(s) -
Ajonuma Louis Chukwuemeka,
Ng Ernest Hung Yu,
Chan Lin Nga,
Chow Pak Ham,
Kung Lai Sin,
Cheung Annie Nga Yin,
Ho Lok Sze,
BritonJones Christine,
Lok Ingrid H.,
Haines Christopher J.,
Chan Hsiao Chang
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
cell biology international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 77
eISSN - 1095-8355
pISSN - 1065-6995
DOI - 10.1016/j.cellbi.2005.05.012
Subject(s) - hydrosalpinx , pathology , ultrastructure , vacuolization , ampulla , epithelium , inflammation , lumen (anatomy) , biology , h&e stain , anatomy , chemistry , microbiology and biotechnology , staining , medicine , immunology , infertility , pregnancy , genetics
Hydrosalpinx (HSP) has been shown to be detrimental to the outcome of assisted reproduction, but little is known of its pathology. This prospective study examined and detailed ultrastructural characterization of HSP of infertile women presenting for assisted reproductive treatments. Both light and electron microscopies were used to characterize HSP. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of HSP showed areas without epithelial cell lining or with abnormalities such as flattening of the epithelial layer and exfoliation of epithelial cells with occasional normal columnar epithelial lining. HSP muscle fibers were atrophic and occasionally replaced by fibrous tissues, or separated by areas of severe edema. Inflammatory cells could be found in hydrosalpinx fluid (HF) in the lumen in areas with flattened to no epithelial cells, without epithelial lining, as well as in dilated blood vessels and/or lymph vessels. Scanning electron microscopy of the epithelial surface revealed epithelial denudation‐severe loss of both cilia and microvilli and stomata exuding globular bodies on eroded ampulla surfaces. Severe chronic inflammation and damage to the epithelial lining and musculature of Fallopian tubes and the presence of inflammatory cells provides an explanation for HF formation, and thus for the detrimental effects of HF on reproductive processes and IVF outcome.