Correlation between morphometry of the uterine artery and estradiol levels in non pregnant domestic pigs (sus scrofa domesticus)

Abstract

Background: Structure and morphometry of the uterine artery are important in influencing the pattern of blood flow to the uterus and may be affected by the levels of estradiol. Consequently these may have an effect on reproductive performance.
Objective: This study aimed at describing the relation between morphometry of uterine artery from domestic pigs and 17 Beta estradiol.
Design: Descriptive cross sectional study.
Methods: Blood samples and specimens of uterine artery were obtained from twelve healthy female domestic pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus). They were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and routinely processed for paraffin embedding. Seven micron thick sections were stained with Mason’s Trichrome. Morphometric parameters were measured using Scion image analyzer and estradiol levels assayed by enzyme linked immunoassay technique.
Results: The thickness of uterine artery and its luminal diameter increased with advancing age. The level of 17 Beta - Estradiol also steadily rose with age and plateaued by 17th week of domestic pigs’ life. Estradiol had a positive effect on growth and development of the uterine artery wall components. Notably, it had
a significant growth effect on the tunica media and the overall thickness of the uterine artery and had an apparent luminal narrowing effect.
Conclusion: The present study reveals that estrogen may be considered as an important hormone in preservation of uterine arterial wall integrity. It is associated with changes in the uterine artery dimensions important in preparation for increased volume of blood flowing to the uterus prior to the reproductive act.
Keywords: Uterine artery, Non pregnant, Pig, Morphometry, Estradiol