Open AccessThe localization and concentration of copper in the fallopian tube in women with or without an intrauterine contraceptive device
Author(s) -
Wollen AnneLone,
Sandvei Roar,
Skare Arne,
Justesen NilsPetter Berg
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
acta obstetricia et gynecologica scandinavica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.401
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1600-0412
pISSN - 0001-6349
DOI - 10.3109/00016349409023438
Subject(s) - fallopian tube , copper , medicine , uterine cavity , infiltration (hvac) , ceruloplasmin , intrauterine device , significant difference , uterus , andrology , research methodology , gynecology , endocrinology , population , family planning , materials science , metallurgy , environmental health , composite material
The localization and concentration of copper in cryostat sections of human fallopian tubes from women using an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and controls was determined by light microscopic‐ and atomic absorption spectrophotometric techniques. The copper was visually accumulated in the epithelium and the copper concentration in the tubal tissue was increased in the IUCD user group. We also measured the concentration of copper and ceruloplasmin in serum, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups studied. Our results indicate that the IUCD has effects beyond the uterine cavity. The accumulation of copper may be associated with earlier observations of the morphological changes and infiltration of inflammatory cells observed in the fallopian tube in IUCD users.