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Department of Zoology, Electron Microscopy Unit, University of Kuwait

ABSTRACT

The luminal surface topography of guinea pig uterine epithelium was studied by scanning electron microscopy using critical point drying. The endometrium of control guinea pigs was characterised by clusters of surface epithelial cells. The cell boundaries were clearly outlined. The luminal surface of most cells was sparsely covered with microvilli, and virtually no ciliated cells were present. Pronounced alterations in the uterine epithelium were especially notable in guinea pigs given intramuscular injections of mestranol (0.0005    mg/day) in combination with norethindrone (0.01 mg/day) for 30 days. Endometrial specimens obtained from mestranol-norethindrone- treated guinea pigs showed numerous bulging secretory cells. These secretory cells were covered with numerous microvilli. In addition, openings or ostia to many uterine glands were also observed. Few secretory droplets were present on the epithelial surface especially near the uterine gland openings. Ked blood cells were often seen near the ostia of the uterine gland. These observations were indicative of subtle alterations in endometrial ultrastructure and confirm that contraceptive steroids, even at microdose levels, may have an important effect on endometrial function.