Histochemical Investigation of Epithelial Mucosubstances in the Uterine Isthmus

Abstract

The uterus of 31 fertile, menopausal and postmcnopausal women was investigated to characterize the epithelial mucosubstances in the isthmic mucosa histochemically, and to compare these with mucins in the endometrium and cervical mucosa. The distribution and histochemical characteristics of isthmic mucin approached those found in the endometrium but differed distinctly from those in the cervical mucosa. Almost constantly, in the transitional region between the isthmic and the cervical mucosa, one or more gland-like structures were found; they were lined chiefly or completely by ciliated cells. The reticular secretions in their lumina differed histochemically from the Iuminal contents of the isthmic, cervical and endometrial glands.