Ultrastructure of the porcine myometrium during pregnancy

Acta Anat (Basel). 1989;136(2):99-106. doi: 10.1159/000146805.

Abstract

The fine structure of myometrium from pigs collected at well-defined stages during pregnancy was investigated by transmission electron microscopy. The morphology of the pregnant myometrium resembled that in non-pregnant pigs. Thick myofilaments were conspicuous during early pregnancy, inapparent during mid-pregnancy and visible again by days 80-84 and towards parturition. Gap junctions were extremely rare throughout pregnancy. Only occasionally were nerve axons observed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Intercellular Junctions / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Myometrium / innervation
  • Myometrium / ultrastructure*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Animal*
  • Swine / anatomy & histology*