Effect of a copper wire as an IUD on some rat uterine enzymes

To elucidate the effect of copper as an IUD, its effect on uterine weight, protein content and some enzyme activities has been studied. The weight, protein content and synthesis of proteins in the IUD horn compared with the control horn were increased in ovariectomized, ovariectomized and estrogen, progesterone and estrogen + progesterone supplemented animals, and also in the cycling and pregnant animals. Both the acid and alkaline phosphatases and β-glucuronidase were higher in the copper IUD horn than in the control. However, under the same experimental conditions, the lactic dehydrogenase activity was decreased in the copper IUD horn. The present findings on the effect of copper IUD in increasing the weight, protein content, proteins synthesising capacity and in causing alterations in estrogen dependent enzymes suggest that the copper IUD may be producing an estrogen-like effect in the rat uterus.     

The influence of IUDs on uterine neutrophils

The study was designed to determine the neutrophilic response of the rat uterus to different IUDs and to observe the effect of the ovarian hormones on the response. Copper, silk thread, and polyethylene devices were placed in the cervical half of one uterine horn of intact and castrate rats. More neutrophils were observed in the luminal fluid of the IUD horns than in that of the controls, and more were observed in the mated rats containing a copper or a silk thread IUD than in rats with a polyethylene device. Estrogen increased the number of neutrophils in the uterine fluid of rats with a copper or silk thread. Progesterone decreased the neutrophil count but only in the rats with the polyethylene device. Regardless of treatment, rats with the polyethylene IUD had the fewest neutrophils in the uterine tissue. Our data show that the composition of the foreign device was of prime importance in determining the neutrophilic response. Furthermore, the data demonstrate that the ovarian hormones modify the response but this was dependent upon the composition of the IUD. In order to evaluate the total effect of the IUD on the neutrophilic response, it is essential to consider the luminal and tissue neutrophils. The possibility that a critical number of neutrophils is essential for preventing implantation in IUD horns is considered.     

Early uterine neutrophilic response to silk and polyethylene IUDS in the rat

The purpose of this study was to determine the number of luminal neutrophils at the time of implantation when an IUD was inserted following mating. Mature Holtzman rats were mated and on days 1, 2, 3 or 4 of pregnancy, a silk thread or polyethylene IUD, 17–22 mm long, was inserted into the cervical half of a uterine horn. The other uterine horn was sham-treated. The rats were autopsied on day 5 of pregnancy and the treated portions of the uterine horns were each flushed with 0.2 ml Hank's solution. The numbers of uterine luminal neutrophils were counted on a hemocytometer chamber.

The neutrophilic response occurred in all horns as early as 24 hr after treatment. More neutrophils were observed in rats with a silk IUD than in those with a polyethylene IUD and there were more neutrophils in the IUD horns than in the sham-treated ones. These data are compatible with the possibility that neutrophils have a role in preventing implantation in the rat.     

Inhibition by indomethacin of increased estradiol extraction by the IUD-containing rat uterine horn

The role of prostaglandins on the extraction of estradiol (E2) by the rat uterine horn in the presence of the intrauterine device (IUD) was evaluated. Increased extraction of E2 by the IUD horn compared to the contralateral control horn was consistently observed irrespective of the estrogen status of the animals. This increased extraction was abolished by indomethacin, an inhibitor of prostaglandin synthesis, suggesting a role of prostaglandin in this process.     

The effect of an intrauterine foreign body on the sodium and potassium concentrations of the uterine fluid of the rat

The presence of an intrauterine silk thread, in one uterine horn of the rat, does not significantly change the uterine fluid potassium concentration at estrus or at diestrus; it does, however, prevent the increase of the uterine fluid potassium concentration which is normally found at the time of implantation on day 6 of pregnancy.

The mean uterine fluid K⁺ was 41.2 meq/L in the uterine fluid of the control horn and 26.3 meq/L in the uterine horn with the foreign body on day 6 of pregnancy. This difference is highly significant (p < 0.005).

It is suggested that the abnormally low uterine fluid potassium concentration may be toxic to the blastocysts and may also prevent implantation of any surviving blastocysts by raising the membrane potential of the endometrium.     

Immunologic aspects of IUD action

Embryo implantation has been demonstrated to depend on specific lymphocyte populations within the uterine cavity. Intrauterine devices (IUD) exert their contraceptive action by prevention of embryo implantation via presently still unknown mechanisms. Therefore, mononuclear cell populations from mice uteri which either contained silastic or copper (Cu) IUD fragments or were sham-operated were evaluated, utilizing monoclonal antibodies against specific cell markers. Uterine horns, bearing IUD fragments, were significantly heavier than sham-operated horns. In Cu-IUD animals this effect extended even into the non-treated contralateral horn. The total number of lymphoid cells in IUD-bearing horns was significantly higher than in sham-operated horns. This observation was also made in non-treated contralateral Cu-IUD horns but not in contralateral horns of silastic-IUD-treated animals. Significant differences in percentages as well as absolute number of various lymphoid cell populations were noted between IUD-treated and sham-operated animals. Again, the effect was more pronounced in Cu-IUD-treated animals and extended in those animals into the contralateral horn. IUD-containing horns also demonstrated a significantly increased number of mast cells, with Cu-IUDs again resulting in a significantly more pronounced effect in both treated and contralateral horns. Sham-operated mice achieved a 67% pregnancy rate in both uterine horns. In contrast, IUD-treated animals demonstrated a significantly reduced pregnancy rate with silastic IUD fragments (15% and 30% for treated and contralateral horn, respectively) and a 0% pregnancy rate for Cu-IUD-treated animals (in either horn).     

Mechanism of anti-implantation by copper IUD in the rabbit: transport and recovery of ova

The effect of copper and polyethylene IUDs on early gestation of the rabbit was studied. Although the copper IUD prevents implantation, the mechanism of action does not appear to involve a significant alteration of ovum transport through the oviduct. At time periods following ovulation when ova are normally found in the uterus, disappearance of ova and subsequent low recovery rates were noted in the uterine horn with copper IUD. Ova which could be recovered from the copper side exhibited morphological evidence of degeneration. It is postulated that the contragestational effect of the copper IUD in rabbits involves disappearance of the embryos and degeneration of any remaining ova.     

The effect of the polyethylene IUD on rat embryogenesis

The investigation was designed to determine whether the decidual reactions and development of the embryos in the polyethylene IUD horns were comparable to those seen in the control horns. The morphology, glycogen distribution and DNA replication of the 7–9 day old embryos and decidual reactions from the IUD horns were indistinguishable from those of the control horns. However, the per cent of resorption in the IUD horns was significantly greater than that of the controls at days 16–18. All pups were born alive from the three rats allowed to deliver and the polyethylene IUD was still in place in the uterine horn. The results show that the contraceptive action of the polyethylene device extends throughout gestation which is different from the silk thread and copper.     

Effect of polyphloretin phosphate on the contraceptive action of a polyethylene intrauterine device in rats

A polyethylene intrauterine device (IUD) inserted in one horn of the rat uterus on Day 2 of pregnancy prevented implantation in 9 out of 12 rats in the horn with the device. When polyphloretin phosphate (PPP), a substance known to inhibit alkaline phosphatase, was administered to such rats from Day 1 till Day 5 of pregnancy, the device prevented implantation in only 3 out of 12 rats in the horn with the device. PPP also significantly reduced the raised levels of endometrial alkaline phosphatase observed in the presence of the device. A significant rise in endometrial alkaline phosphatase was seen in such animals not administered PPP. It is suggested that there is a correlation between the anti-implantation effect of an IUD and raised levels of endometrial alkaline phosphatase in rats.     

Histochemistry of regenerating rabbit endometrium with intra uterine device

Following a previous study which indicated that the IUD causes a delay in the regeneration of denuded rabbit endometrium, a histochemical investigation using the same experimental model was carried out in order to disclose eventual alterations of oxidative enzymes, dehydrogenases, hydrolases and glycosidases. Some enzymatic changes were observed during the first days following denudation of the endometrium and insertion of the IUD which returned to normal after the 6th day. Since these enzymatic reactions were similar in the uterine horn containing the IUD and in the opposite one in which the endometrium was denuded but no IUD inserted, it was concluded that these changes were probably due to surgical intervention and not to the presence of the IUD. Thus, in the rabbit, in spite of a delay in the regeneration of the endometrium containing an IUD, the latter does not seem to affect intracellular enzymatic activity.     

Implantation of the rat blastocyst following polyethylene IUD sham treatment

The experiment was designed to determine the effect of sham treatment on development of the fetus. Adult Holtzman rats were shammed with a polyethylene IUD on days 1, 2 or 3 of pregnancy. The IUD was 17 to 22 mm in length and it passed through the cervical end of one uterine horn. The contralateral horn served as a control. The animals were autopsied on days 14–16 of gestation and the number of live fetuses and resorption sites were observed in both the control and experimental horns.

Fewer live fetuses were observed in the sham horns, regardless of the day treated, than in the controls. More resorptions occurred in the sham horns than in the controls. In the experimental horns, more viable fetuses were found above the treated portion than at the site of the sham. On day 3 of treatment no live fetuses were present at the sham area. Since it has been shown previously that neutrophils increase after sham treatment, these data support the concept that neutrophils may be the underlying factor in suppressing implantation.     

宫内节育器与兔子宫内膜生成内皮素的研究

自制金属单环放入兔左侧子宫角腔内,有明显抗生育效果,此为动物模型。选10只成年雌兔分为二组,将节育环放入每只兔左侧子宫角腔内,右侧为对照。一个月,三个月取子宫内膜,进行形态学观察,内皮素免疫组化定位及内膜组织中内皮素含量的测定。结果显示:内膜形态无明显改变,只在少数局部淋巴细胞略多。内皮素免疫组化定位显示左侧子宫角阳性反应比右侧强,一个月和三个月结果相似。放射免疫测定的内膜组织中内皮素含量左侧明显高于右侧。揭示金属单环引起内膜组织生成内皮素增加。     

The cellular composition of uterine fluid in IUD users — A quantitative study

The cellular composition of uterine fluid was studied quantitatively in 75 IUD users and 48 non-users. In the IUD group the number of granulocytes was increased about 300 times above that of the non-IUD group, whereas the numbers of mononuclear phagocytic cells and lymphocytes were increased by a factor of 30. Endometrial glandular cells were not quantitatively affected by the presence of an IUD. Granulocytes constituted nearly two-thirds and mononuclear phagocytic cells nearly one-third of the total cell count in the IUD group. Mast cells were found more frequently and eosinophilia occurred more often in the uterine fluid of IUD users.     

Interference with uterine histology by intrauterine device in Indian water buffalo

An experiment involving 36 Indian water buffalo (Surti breed) heifers in four groups was conducted in order to observe the IUD-mediated effect on uterine histology. In three of these groups, an IUD was placed into the uterine horn adjacent to the side of ovulation, opposite to the side of ovulation, and in both uterine horns. These three groups were compared with a sham-operated control group. Heifers were slaughtered 30 hours after the expression of the second or subsequent estrus. Fifteen histological characteristics were quantitated from the uterine layers. The data tend to suggest an estrogen-like uterine response in the presence of an IUD.     

Immunochemical composition and gel filtration profiles of uterine flushings from rats with and without IUDs

The composition of uterine fluids collected from pro-oestrous rats with unilateral intrauterine sutures was determined by immunoelectrophoresis and gel filtration.Immunochemical analysis with an anti- (blood plasma) serum showed a markedly altered uterine environment on the IUD side; 7–9 and 16–22 components, respectively, were found in control — and IUD-horn flushings.The gel filtration profile of the uterine flushings revealed three components; one of the low molecular weight components was significantly raised in the IUD horn (p < 0.05). Subsequent Chromatographic analysis of the free amino acids in the low molecular weight fractions constantly showed peaks corresponding to cysteic acid, taurine and/or $\text{o}$-phosphoethanolamine, urea and glutamic acid. The second and third of these were markedly elevated in IUD-horn flushings.The possible relation of these findings to the mechanism involved in the action of an IUD in the rat is discussed.     

Survey of IUD replacing status in Sichuan,PR China

To investigate the status of copper-bearing intrauterine device (IUD) replacing inert IUD in Sichuan Province, cluster random sampling method was adopted for the survey. Questionnaires were completed and IUD were inspected through ultrasound among 12,804 subjects of 15 counties, who were inserted an IUD from 1994 to 1998. The insertion rate of copper-bearing IUD was 42.1%, in a gradually increasing trend; it was lower in mountain areas than in plain and hilly areas and increased after induced abortion and previous IUD failure. Some factors, such as lower pregnancy rate, lower expulsion rate and easy removal, etc., contributed to copper-bearing IUD use. On the other hand, other factors like longer contraception period, lower side effects and lower cost contributed to inert IUD use. The results show that the adoption of copper-bearing IUD is increasing, but those factors influencing copper-bearing IUD replacement should not be neglected.     

爱母牌MCu IUD、MCuⅡ IUD与MYCu IUD的临床效果对比研究

目的对比研究MCu功能性宫内节育器(intrauterine contraceptive device,IUD)、MCuⅡ IUD与MYCu IUD的临床效果和不良反应。方法于节育门诊选择390例育龄妇女随机分为3组,分别放置MCu IUD、MCuⅡ IUD、MYCu IUD各130例,放置后1、3、6、12月进行随访。结果 MCu IUD、MCuⅡ IUD、MYCu IUD3组累计妊娠率分别为0.77%、0.77%、0%;累计脱落率分别为0.77%、0%、0.77%;因不良反应取出率分别为2.39%、2.36%、1.57%,以上各项比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随访1个月时有主诉(不良反应)分别为20.00%、23.08%、10.00%,其中月经异常分别为18.46%、20.77%、8.46%,MCu IUD组与MCuⅡ IUD组均多于MYCu IUD组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 MCu IUD、MCuⅡ IUD、MYCu IUD均具有避孕效果好,脱落率低的特点,值得推广;MCuⅡIUD、MYCuIUD的铜表面积符合国家标准,取出时比MCuIUD有优势;MYCuIUD放置初期不良反应发生率低于MCu IUD、MCuⅡ IUD,但价格略高,建议推广使用中酌情选择。     

宫腔粘连分离术后3种防粘连方法分析

目的:观察宫腔镜引导下分离宫腔粘连(intrauterine adhesion,IUA)术后3种防粘连方法的预后情况。方法:2008年10月～2009年8月就诊于该院经宫腔镜检查诊断为各级IUA并成功分离粘连者60例,随机分为3组:A组为术后宫内放置IUD+Foley球囊导尿管+欣可聆防粘连冲洗液,B组为术后宫内放置IUD+Foley球囊导尿管,C组为术后宫内放置IUD。观察3组预防粘连处理后月经量、宫腔及周期性下腹痛恢复情况。结果:A组治疗效果明显好于B组,B组又明显好于C组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:宫腔粘连分离术后行宫内置环+Foley球囊导尿管+欣可聆预防再次粘连效果较为确切。     

The influence of chlorambucil on IUD-induced uterine neutrophils

The present investigation was designed to study the effect of chlorambucil on IUD-induced uterine neutrophils on day five of gestation and the number of implantation sites on day 10 of pregnancy in order to get a better understanding of the relationship between uterine neutrophils and implantation in IUD animals. A silk IUD (No. 3-0) was placed in one uterine horn of adult Holtzman rats, and they were divided into groups according to treatment. In group I the animals received chlorambucil for five consecutive days and were autopsied on the fifth day of treatment. In group II the rats were treated in a similar manner but were mated the day following the last drug treatment and killed on the fifth and 10th days of gestation. The control rats in groups III and IV were treated as in the previous groups except that the vehicle was administered instead of the drug.

Regardless of treatment, no implantation sites were observed in the IUD horns but they were present in the control horns. On the fifth day of gestation in the chlorambucil-treated rats, the number of neutrophils was significantly greater than at the end of the five-day drug treatment. The observations show that chlorambucil is not effective in maintaining the suppression of neutrophils throughout the preimplantation period. The data add further support to the concept that neutrophils have a major role in suppressing implantation in the IUD uterine horns.     

Long - term use of contraceptives by IUD acceptors in Taichung, Taiwan.

Extrapolations from relatively short periods of observation on IUD acceptors suggest that the IUD has a limited antifertility effect, but reports from Taiwan permit more optimistic forecast. The study sample consisted of 5832 urban women in Taichung, Taiwan who accepted an IUD in the period of July 1962 to May 1965. At 60 months since the 1st IUD insertion 31.1% were using the IUD. Termination rates appear to have declined because there is not as much bleeding connected with the IUD, and reinsertion rates are increasing. Sterilization seems to be the most important competitor of the IUD.