New observations on the significance of nipplelike protrusions in the nuclei of endocervical cells
McCallum, S.M.
Acta Cytologica 32(3): 331-334
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0001-5547 PMID: 2967615 Document Number: 318138
The occurrence of nipple-like protrusions in the nuclei of endocervical cells has been formerly linked to use of progesterone contraceptives and estrogenic activity. However, in a study of women of childbearing age who were all using a long-acting injectable progesterone as a method of contraception, it was found that the nipple-like protrusion of the cells was not related to the use of progesterone. The smears taken from women whose estrogen activity was minimal but who had had amenorrhea showed the protrusion of endocervical cells. This protrusion has also been found in aspiration smears from males and endocervical and aspiration smears from patients who were using drugs with antimitotic compounds. It is further suggested that the ability of progesterone to incite nuclear and cellular division is prevented by its rapid rise in the 10th to 15th day of the menstrual cycle. Distortions in the dividing nuclei result. The recognition of these changes in a case of metastatic tumors shows that the primary tumor has a columnar cell component. This phenomenon can also be useful in pinpointing the time of ovulation.