Elastin distribution in the normal uterus, uterine leiomyomas, adenomyosis and adenomyomas: a comparison
Zheng, W-Qiang.; Ma, R.; Zheng, J-Ming.; Gong, Z-Jing.
Analytical and Quantitative Cytology and Histology 28(2): 115-120
2006
PMID: 16637515 Document Number: 2261
OBJECTIVE: To describe the histologic distribution of elastin in the nonpregnant human uterus, uterine leiomyomas, adenomyosis and adenomyomas. STUDY DESIGN: Uteri were obtained from women undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions, including 26 cases of uterine leiomyomas, 24 cases of adenomyosis, 18 adenomyomas and 6 cases of autopsy specimens. Specific histochemical staining techniques were employed in order to demonstrate the distribution of elastin. RESULTS: The distribution of elastin components in the uterus was markedly uneven and showed a decreasing gradient from outer to inner myometrium. No elastin was present within leiomyomas, adenomyomas or adenomyosis. CONCLUSION: The distribution of elastin may help explain the normal function of the myometrium in labor. It implies that the uneven distribution of elastin components and absence of elastin within leiomyomas, adenomyomas and adenomyosis could be of some clinical significance. The altered elastin distribution in disease states may help explain such symptoms as dysmenorrhea in uterine endometriosis.
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