The relationship between lymphatic cysts and lymphatic lacunae in the endometrium of mares

Due to the character of the original source materials and the nature of batch digitization, quality control issues may be present in this document. Please report any quality issues you encounter to digital@library.tamu.edu, referencing the URI of the item.Includes bibliographical references: 50-63.Issued also on microfiche from Lange Micrographics.Fifteen quarter horse-type mares were examined by transrectal ultrasound for the presence of endometrial lymphatic cysts. From each mare an endometrial biopsy 'was taken from the mid-body of the uterus and the base of each uterine horn. Biopsy sections were examined by histomorphometry to characterize lymphatic lacunae by number, cross-sectional area, and location within the endometrial lamina propria. Mares were divided into three groups (n=5) based upon mare age and presence of ultrasonically detectable endometrial lymphatic cysts: Group A) 13 years, no cysts; Group C) > 13 years, with cysts. Each group contained two mares in estrus and three mares in diestrus. Mares in estrus had a greater number of lymphatic lacunaein the stratum spongiosum and greater cross-sectional area of lymphatic lacunae in the stratum compactum than mares in diestrus(P < 0.06). The total number of lymphatic lacunae within the lamina propria was also higher in mares in estrus than in mares in diestrus (P < 0.05). In the five mares with ultrasonically detectable endometrial lymphatic cysts (Group C), the number of lymphatic lacunae in the stratum spongiosum, was greater (P < 0.02) in uterine horns containing endometrial lymphatic cysts than in contralateral uterine horns which contained no cysts. Number and cross-sectional area of lymphatic lacunae throughout the uterus were greater in the stratum spongiosum than the stratum compactum for mares having endometrial lymphatic cysts (P <0.01). The total number of lymphatic lacunae in the lamina propria (stratum compactum + stratum spongiosum) was greater in the uterine horn having ultrasonically detectable endometrial lymphatic cysts, than in the contralateral horn having no cysts (P < 0.01). This study revealed no difference in the number or cross-sectional area of lymphatic lacunae in the uterus between young and old mares without ultrasonically detectable endometrial lymphatic cysts. A single uterine biopsy was not a good predictor of lymphatic conditions in the equine uterus. Key words: lymphatic lacunae, endometrial cysts, lymphatic cysts, equine, histomorphometr