| Abstract: | Prostaglandins can cause pregnancy to be terminated through any of the following mechanisms: 1) direct luteolytic effect of prostaglandins on early pregnancy; 2) intense myometrial disloding and expelling of the embryo; 3) indirect luteolytic effect caused by the removal of possible luteotropical support of the conceptus due to direct action of prostaglandin; and 4) direct interference of prostaglandin on early placental production of progesterone and other hormones. The present study was conducted to determine the histopathological changes in the corpora lutea taken out during abdominal tubal ligation of 30 women within 1 to 4 hours after abortion. 15-methyl PGF2a was administered through extraovular route in 15 cases; 15 control cases had hysterectomy and tubal ligation, and ovarian biopsy by abdominal route. Macroscopically, the corpora lutea of the experimental cases appeared congested and at times, hemorrhagic; most had clots in the cavity. The ovaries appeared normal and comparable to those of the controls. The rectus sheath, uterus and fallopian tubes exhibited vascular congestion. Microscopically, the granulosa lutein cell of the experimental group seemed either irregular or indistinct, with the cytoplasm exhibiting a large number of vacuolation, and the nuclei showing Pyknotic, karyorrhetic or karyopyknotic changes. It was suggested that the degenerative changes in the corpora lutea were due to the prostaglandins' lowering of the level of progesterone and the termination of early pregnancy. |
