INVESTIGADORES
RAMOS Jorge Guillermo
artículos
Título:
Mast cell degranulation affects angiogenesis in the rat uterine cervix during pregnancy
Autor/es:
VARAYOUD J; RAMOS JG; BOSQUIAZZO VL; MUÑOZ DE TORO M; LUQUE EH
Revista:
REPRODUCTION
Referencias:
Año: 2004 vol. 127 p. 379 - 387
ISSN:
1470-1626
Resumen:
During pregnancy, it is essential that sufficient nutrients are
supplied by the vascular system to support the dramatic modifications
of the rat uterine cervix. Angiogenesis refers to the growth of new
blood vessels from pre-existing microcirculation and mast cells have
been associated with this process. This study examined the
modifications of the vascular compartment and the distribution of mast
cells on cervical tissue during pregnancy. Using disodium cromoglycate
as a mast cell stabilizer, we determined the effects of the mast cell
degranulation on cervical angiogenesis. Mast cell distribution and
their degranulation status were evaluated by immunohistochemistry.
Endothelial cell proliferation was measured by bromodeoxyuridine
incorporation. Vascular areas (absolute and relative) and maturation
indices were assessed by quantitative immunohistochemistry of von
Willebrand factor and alpha-smooth muscle actin respectively. Mast
cells were predominantly observed during the first half of pregnancy in
the perivascular zones. The values of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation,
absolute vascular area and vascular maturation index exhibited a
significant increase throughout pregnancy. All animals that received
mast cell stabilizer showed more than 40% of non-degranulated mast
cells. Treated rats exhibited a decrease in endothelial proliferation
and in relative vascular area; in addition, a large proportion of
mature blood vessels was observed, suggesting a diminished level of new
vessel formation. The effects of the mast cell stabilizer were
sustained beyond the end of treatment. This is the first report that
brings evidence that mast cell degranulation could be a necessary
process to contribute to the normal angiogenesis of the rat cervix
during pregnancy. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the
possible implications of abnormal vascular development of the uterine
cervix on the physiological process of ripening and parturition.