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Histology of the Post Partum Equine Uterus as Determined by Endometrial Biopsies

Puerperal histologi av livmodern hos häst med hjälp av endometriumbiopsi

Abstract

Altogether 156 equine endometrial biopsies were carried out during the post partum (p.p.) period: immediately after parturition until 15 days after foaling. The histological changes are described.

The rapid restoration of the equine endometrium is remarkable. The destruction of the luminal epithelium is minor and regeneration takes place rapidly. Remnants of the placenta, the microcotyledons and desquamated cells, have disappeared by 5 p.p. The transformation of glands from a pronounced secretory pattern to normal appearance also takes only 5 days. The occurrence of neutrophils and lymphocytes is normally connected with the restoration of the endometrium and should not always be interpreted as a sign of infection.

Sammanfattning

Sammanlagt 156 biopsier utfördes hos post partum (p.p.) ston: omedelbart efter fölning t.o.m. 15 dygn senare. De histologiska förändringarna beskrivs.

Regenerationen av stoets endometrium p.p. är anmärkningsvärt snabb. Det luminala epiteliets destruktiva förändringar äro minimala och regenerationen snabb. Placentarester, mikrocotyledoner och deskvamerade celler försvinner inom 5 dygn p.p. Transformationen av körtlar från ett stadium av kraftig till normal sekretion tar ej heller mera än 5 dygn. Förekomsten av neutrofiler och lymfocyter är normal i samband med endometriets regeneration och behöver inte nödvändigtvis anses som ett tecken på infektion.

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Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Prof. T. Rahko, Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Helsinki, for critically reviewing the manuscript.

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Katila, T. Histology of the Post Partum Equine Uterus as Determined by Endometrial Biopsies. Acta Vet Scand 29, 173–180 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03548368

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