Effect of parity on endometrial glands in gravid rabbits

Abstract

The uterus undergoes intense remodeling in pregnancy and subsequent involution in the postpartum period. One of the anatomical changes that occur in the gravid endometrium is increased glandular density. Parity has been shown to be protective against certain endometrial pathologies probably as a result of retained changes that take place during pregnancy. The findings of the current study may help provide the anatomical basis for different traits noted as the parity rises. Nine rabbits, California white breed (oryctolagus cuniculus), were obtained from a private farmer. The subjects were grouped as follows; primiparous rabbits in group 1, Para 1 and Para 2-3 in group 2, and Para >4 in group 3. Once successfully mated, they were housed in pens, fed, and given adequate supply of water. On day 18 of pregnancy, the rabbits were sacrificed and uterus harvested en bloc. Five-millimeter specimens were obtained from the uterus and processed for light microscopy. Quantification of endometrial glands and their size was done using the computer program Image J. Endometrial gland density was noted to decrease with a rise in parity such that the percentage proportion in the primigravid rabbit was 45% compared to that of 34% and 37.5% in the biparous and multiparous groups respectively. The endometrial gland duct circumference also increased as the parity increased. The present study reveals that a high parity is characterized by fewer, wider endometrial glands.

Key words: Endometrial glands, Parity, Gravidity