Histochemistry/cytochemistry

Abstract:Most of the effects seen under oral contraceptives are progestogen effects because of the predominance of the progestogen component. Diagnosis of specific defects or abnormalities related to specific compounds depends on preexisting histology dose of compound duration of medicine and particular sequence. Because most combined preparations exert a major suppressive effect on the hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis it is not possible to distinguish between lack of endogenous hormonal effect on the endometrium and the specific effect of the formulation on the endometrium. Irreversible endometrial atrophy had been associated with prolonged progestogen use although according to Gray irreversible atrophy had never been reported in clinical practice. Johannisson mentioned that some aspects of the effects of steroidal contraceptives on the histochemistry cytochemistry and morphometry of the endometrium are not clear. Alkaline phosphatase is one of several enzymes which exhibit cyclic variation during normal menstrual cycle and is related to estrogen-stimulation of the endometrium. A strong alkaline phosphatase change occurs in the endothelium of the vessels throughout the normal cycle. It declines after use of low-dose progestogens. The mechanism of abnormal bleeding and cytochemical methods used for quantitative assessments of DNA and RNA in the endometrium are briefly discussed.