Reproductive System, Female

Uterus - Edema

Narrative
Comment:

Edema of the uterine stroma adjacent to the endometrial epithelium can be seen normally in proestrus, particularly toward the end of the phase and in the beginning of estrus. Uterine edema may be part of inflammation or result from vascular compromise or changes in vascular permeability. Edema has the histologic appearance of increased clear space between cells and tissue components (Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4).

Recommendations:

Uterus - Edema should be diagnosed only when it is an effect of treatment. When diagnosed, it should be graded. Edema that is secondary to an inflammatory or other primary process should not be diagnosed separately. Edema that is considered a normal cyclical change (i.e., during proestrus) should not be diagnosed.

References:

National Toxicology Program. 1990. NTP TR-381. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of d-Carvone (CAS No. 2244-16-8) in B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/11301

Westwood FR. 2008. The female rat reproductive cycle: A practical histological guide to staging. Toxicol Pathol 36:375–384.

Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18441260
  • Image of edema in the uterus from a female F344/N rat in a chronic study

    Uterus - Edema in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is extensive edema in the endometrium and myometrium.

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Uterus - Edema in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is extensive edema in the endometrium and myometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. There is extensive edema in the endometrium and myometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There is edema of the endometrium and myometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There is edema of the endometrium and myometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. There is focal edema of the endometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study. There is focal edema of the endometrium.
Uterus - Edema in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 3). There is edema of the endometrium characterized by an increase in the intercellular spaces.
Uterus - Edema in a female B6C3F1/N mouse from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 3). There is edema of the endometrium characterized by an increase in the intercellular spaces.

Authors

Gabrielle Willson, BVMS, Dip RC Path, FRC Path, MRCVS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Karen Y. Cimon, DVM, MS
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Karen S. Regan, DVM, DABT, DACVP
Pathologist
Regan Path/Tox Services, Inc.
Ashland, OH  

Darlene Dixon, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Fellow, IATP
Group Leader, Molecular Pathogenesis Group
National Toxicology Program Laboratory
National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC