In-vivo microscopy of the rat endometrial subepithelial capillary plexus during the oestrous cycle and after ovariectomy

J Reprod Fertil. 1990 Sep;90(1):137-45. doi: 10.1530/jrf.0.0900137.

Abstract

Blood flow through the endometrium was visualized by using incident-light fluorescence microscopy and a video image recorded for later detailed analysis. The subepithelial microvascular density was calculated for each day of the oestrous cycle and at 7 days after ovariectomy. The results showed that the microvasculature was significantly more dense at dioestrus I, pro-oestrus, and after ovariectomy than at oestrus, with dioestrus II being in between. Mean capillary path lengths running from arteriole to venule were longest at pro-oestrus, followed by oestrus, dioestrus II, dioestrus I, and shortest after ovariectomy. The results suggest that endometrial growth and regression precede microvascular growth and regression. The technique of in-vivo microscopy provides an important new avenue for investigating the role of local factors in the control of the endometrial microcirculation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Capillaries
  • Endometrium / anatomy & histology
  • Endometrium / blood supply*
  • Estrus / physiology*
  • Female
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / instrumentation
  • Ovariectomy
  • Rats
  • Rats, Inbred Strains
  • Video Recording