Morphometric analysis of endometrial periglandular fibrosis in mares.

This research displays the development of an objective assay for endometrial periglandular fibrosis (EPF) in mares by comparing it with histological and ultrastructural changes in their endometrial biopsy specimens, indicating its utility for evaluating and managing subfertile mares.

Methodology

• Endometrial biopsy specimens were collected from 70 mares, aged between 3 to 27 years old in estrus.
• The team implemented a double-blind study design to reduce the risk of bias. The specimens were graded histologically using the modified Kenney classification for EPF and inflammation.
• The Endometrial periglandular collagen volume fraction, or %EPCVF, was determined using a light microscope to analyze picrosirius red-stained sections.
• Specimens from selected mares were also analyzed under transmission electron microscopy for further investigation.

Results

• The researchers found that %EPCVF values had significant variation among the four modified Kenney EPF categories: (I, IIA, IIB, and III).
• This value was also found to increase as the age of the mares increased, suggesting its correlation with age-induced endometrial changes.
• Morphological examination revealed that EPF consisted of concentric layers of transformed fibroblasts with myofibroblastic features. Fibrillar collagen was revealed to be deposited around unaltered glandular basal laminae.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the %EPCVF value correlates well with morphological changes occurring in the endometrial biopsy specimens.
• The determination of the %EPCVF could serve as a valuable tool in the evaluation and clinical management of subfertile mares. It also holds potential in aiding investigations into the pathogenesis of EPF, aiding equine reproduction research.