Reproductive System, Female

Vagina - Angiectasis

Narrative

Comment:

Dilated vessels in the rat vagina are rarely observed. When present as angiectasis, they are usually a collection of prominent dilated blood vessels lined by a single layer of endothelium with flattened nuclei (Figure 1 and Figure 2). A distinction between angiectasis and hemangioma should be attempted, although the distinction is not always obvious. Hemangiomas tend to be well-circumscribed, unencapsulated masses composed of tightly packed, dilated vascular spaces. Each vascular space is enclosed and lined by a single layer of normal-appearing endothelial cells aligned on collagenous septa, which are usually thin, although some have broad collagenous stroma. In contrast, angiectasis does not usually present a well-circumscribed mass: the dilated vascular channels course irregularly through the tissue.

Recommendations:

Vagina - Angiectasis should be diagnosed and graded whenever present.

References:

National Toxicology Program. 1986. NTP TR-250. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Acetate (CAS No. 140-11-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Gavage Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/7108

National Toxicology Program. 1993. NTP TR-431. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Benzyl Acetate (CAS No. 140-11-4) in F344/N Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Feed Studies). NTP, Research Triangle Park, NC.

Abstract: https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/go/6006

All Images

Vagina - Angiectasis in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study. Dilated blood vessels are present in the wall of the vagina.

Vagina - Angiectasis, in a female F344/N rat from a chronic study (higher magnification of Figure 1). There are dilated, endothelium-lined vessels in the wall of the vagina.

Authors and Reviewers

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