elastin and Vaginal-Diseases

Structural changes in collagen and elastin fiber density have been previously evaluated by qualitative histological studies; however, quantitative evaluations are lacking.. To evaluate quantitative changes in collagen and elastin fibers in the vaginal wall in a porcine model after volumetric radiofrequency heating with an intravaginal applicator.. An animal model was used (domestic pig, multipara: 5.67 ± 0.94 deliveries, 3 years of age). Three pigs under general anesthesia were treated (8-minute, vaginal canal area) once per week for the course of three weeks. There were 2 follow-up evaluations at one and four weeks. Histology specimens were obtained via punch biopsy under ultrasound control. Ultrasound video measurements of the vaginal wall thickness were also obtained. Tissue samples were stained by H&E as well as stains for collagen and elastin fibers.. Elastin (P < .001) and collagen (P < .01) fiber density increased after every treatment. The measured increase in fibers was highest at the one-week follow-up. Elastin accounted on average for 51.46 ± 16.86% of the tissue examined (increase of 36.8% points), while collagen accounted on average for 44.83 ± 18.92% (increase of 17.1% points). The number of synthetically active cells was increased by 16%. While vaginal wall thickness did show an increase of 1.66 mm (32%), this tendency was not statistically significant (P > .05).. Results suggest that volumetric heating of vaginal tissue produced quantitative improvement in the connective tissue organization in a porcine study. Neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis were observed with an increased number of synthetically active cells.

Topics: Animals; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Disease Models, Animal; Elastin; Female; Radiofrequency Therapy; Sus scrofa; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases

In women, a healthy, patent vagina is important for the maintenance of a good quality of life. Apart from congenital abnormalities, such as cloacal exstrophy, intersex disorders, and an absence of the posterior two thirds of the organ, individuals may also suffer from cancer, trauma, infection, inflammation, or iatrogenic injuries leading to tissue damage and loss -- all of which require vaginal repair or replacement. Of necessity, reconstruction is often performed with nonvaginal tissue substitutes, such as segments of large intestine or skin, which are not anatomically or functionally ideal (Hendren and Atala, J Urol 1994; 152: 752; Hendren and Atala, J Pediatr Surg 1995; 30: 91). Whenever such tissue is used additional complications often ensue, such as strictures, infection, hair growth, graft shrinkage, diverticuli, and even malignancy (Filipas et al., BJU Int 2000; 85: 715; Lai and Chang, Changgeng Yi Xue Za Zhi 1999; 22: 253; Parsons et al., J Pediatr Surg 2002; 37: 629; Seccia et al., Ann Plast Surg 2002; 49: 379; Filipas, Curr Opin Urol 2001; 11: 267).. Using a rabbit model, we report here the construction of a functional vagina using autologous cells expanded from a small vaginal biopsy. RESULTS.: Six months after total vaginal replacement, radiographic analysis of rabbits implanted with the neovagina demonstrated wide, patent vaginal calibers without strictures. Histologic analysis revealed well-organized epithelial and muscle cell layers. Physiologic studies showed normal-range responses to electrical stimulation or to an adrenergic agonist.. These data indicate that a tissue engineering approach to clinical vaginal reconstruction in women is now a realistic possibility.

Topics: Animals; Biomechanical Phenomena; Biopsy; Cell Culture Techniques; Collagen; Elastin; Female; Immunohistochemistry; Polymers; Rabbits; Tensile Strength; Time Factors; Tissue Engineering; Vagina; Vaginal Diseases