elastin and Uterine-Neoplasms

Elastin distribution was examined in adenomatoid tumors of the human genital tract. Two distinct patterns were identified: strongly positive or completely negative for elastin in the stroma, according to the case. Even in cases appearing to have very similar histologic features, the stroma was rich in elastin in some cases and was almost devoid of elastin in others. Electron microscopic examination with tannic acid staining revealed that the elastin in the stroma was composed mainly of amorphous material surrounded by a small amount of microfibrils and abundant collagen fibers. Fibroblasts were sparsely distributed in the stroma. Tumor cells displayed mesothelial cell-like features, such as abundant microvilli on the surface, numerous cytoplasmic organelles, several well-developed basal lamina. In some areas, elastin seemed to be formed by mesothelial cells. In some adenomatoid tumor cases, elastogenesis would be enhanced by activated mesothelial tumor cells as well as stromal fibroblasts.

Topics: Elastin; Fallopian Tube Neoplasms; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Genital Neoplasms, Male; Humans; Male; Mesothelioma; Testicular Neoplasms; Uterine Neoplasms

The normal human cervix is a collagenous structure that undergoes a dramatic and probably unique metamorphosis in late pregnancy and labor, effacing and dilating without injury to permit the baby to pass through and, thereafter, returning in the course of a few weeks to its former state. In addition to collagen, the cervix contains small amounts of smooth muscle and elastic tissue, and it is unreasonable to presume they would be found here if they were not to have some function. Whatever this function may be, it appears to be secondary, and possibly supportive, to the role of the collagenous system. Coordinated uterine contractions are involved in the processes of effacement and dilatation of the cervix. However, they appear to be incidental rather than causative, being initiated by the same factors that are also responsible for the cervical changes. When these influences are withdrawn after delivery, remodeling processes begin and the cervix returns to its nonpregnant morphologic and functional state.

Topics: Abortion, Spontaneous; Cervix Uteri; Elastic Tissue; Elastin; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Infant, Newborn; Labor Onset; Labor, Obstetric; Leiomyoma; Muscle, Smooth; Pregnancy; Uterine Contraction; Uterine Neoplasms; Uterus