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Endocrinology Feb 2021In this study, we investigated steroidogenic gene mRNA expression in human vaginas and verified the ability of human vagina smooth muscle cells (hvSMCs) to synthesize...
In this study, we investigated steroidogenic gene mRNA expression in human vaginas and verified the ability of human vagina smooth muscle cells (hvSMCs) to synthesize androgens from upstream precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). As a readout for androgen receptor (AR) activation, we evaluated the mRNA expression of various androgen-dependent markers. hvSMCs were isolated from vagina tissues of women undergoing surgery for benign gynecological diseases. In these cells, we evaluated mRNA expression of several steroidogenic enzymes and sex steroid receptors using real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Androgen production was quantified with liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In vaginal tissues, AR mRNA was significantly less expressed than estrogen receptor α, whereas in hvSMCs, its mRNA expression was higher than progestin and both estrogen receptors. In hvSMCs and in vaginal tissue, when compared to ovaries, the mRNA expression of proandrogenic steroidogenic enzymes (HSD3β1/β2, HSD17β3/β5), along with 5α-reductase isoforms and sulfotransferase, resulted as being more abundant. In addition, enzymes involved in androgen inactivation were less expressed than in the ovaries. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that, in hvSMCs, short-term DHEA supplementation increased Δ4-androstenedione levels in spent medium, while increasing testosterone and DHT secretion after longer incubation. Finally, androgenic signaling activation was evaluated through AR-dependent marker mRNA expression, after DHEA and T stimulation. This study confirmed that the human vagina is an androgen-target organ with the ability to synthesize androgens, thus providing support for the use of androgens for local symptoms of genitourinary syndrome in menopause.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Androgens; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Female; Gene Expression; Humans; Menopause; Middle Aged; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle; Primary Cell Culture; Receptors, Steroid; Testosterone; Vagina
PubMed: 33247714
DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa219 -
Parasite (Paris, France) 2020The presence/absence and number of vaginae is a major characteristic for the systematics of the Monogenea. Three gastrocotylid genera share similar morphology and...
No vagina, one vagina, or multiple vaginae? An integrative study of Pseudaxine trachuri (Monogenea, Gastrocotylidae) leads to a better understanding of the systematics of Pseudaxine and related genera.
The presence/absence and number of vaginae is a major characteristic for the systematics of the Monogenea. Three gastrocotylid genera share similar morphology and anatomy but are distinguished by this character: Pseudaxine Parona & Perugia, 1890 has no vagina, Allogastrocotyle Nasir & Fuentes Zambrano, 1983 has two vaginae, and Pseudaxinoides Lebedev, 1968 has multiple vaginae. In the course of a study of Pseudaxine trachuri Parona & Perugia 1890, we found specimens with structures resembling "multiple vaginae"; we compared them with specimens without vaginae in terms of both morphology and molecular characterisitics (COI barcode), and found that they belonged to the same species. We also investigated the male copulatory organ (MCO) of this species, the accuracy of the original description of which is known to be a matter of debate. We found that the genital atrium is armed with 12 hooks arranged as a single circle and a central hollow stylet which is probably involved in traumatic insemination. We redescribed Pseudaxine trachuri based on newly collected specimens from off the coast of Algeria and Museum specimens from off France. Specimens from the type-host, Trachurus trachurus, were found to be similar, for both molecular sequences and morphology, to those found on Boops boops. We can therefore confirm, for the first time with molecular evidence, that B. boops is a host of this parasite. We consider that Pseudaxinoides was erected on the basis of an erroneous interpretation of structures which are not vaginae and, consequently, propose the transfer of most of its species to Pseudaxine, as P. australis (Lebedev, 1968) n. comb., P. bychowskyi (Lebedev, 1977) n. comb., P. caballeroi (Lebedev, 1977) n. comb., P. cariacoensis (Nasir & Fuentes-Zambrano, 1983) n. comb., and P. vietnamensis (Lebedev, Parukhin & Roitman, 1970) n. comb. We also propose Allogastrocotyle dillonhargisorum nom. nov. for Pseudaxine bivaginalis Dillon & Hargis, 1965 to avoid a secondary homonymy.
Topics: Algeria; Animals; Classification; Female; France; Male; Perciformes; Trematoda; Vagina
PubMed: 32808922
DOI: 10.1051/parasite/2020046 -
Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive... 2017Vaginal and urethral histology is important to understanding the pathophysiology of the pelvic floor.
BACKGROUND
Vaginal and urethral histology is important to understanding the pathophysiology of the pelvic floor.
METHODS
En bloc removal of 4 female cadaveric pelvises was performed, with 18 to 25 serial sections obtained from each. The vaginal and urethral lengths were divided into distal and proximal sections; urethra was divided into anterior and posterior segments as well. Innervation and vasculature were qualified as small and large and quantified per high-power field.
RESULTS
The mean vaginal length was 7.45 cm, and the mean urethral length was 3.38 cm. A distinct vaginal fibromuscular layer was noted, without evidence of a dense sheet of continuous collagen. An epithelial, lamina propria, and muscular layer surrounded the urethral lumen. Adipose and loose fibroconnective tissue separated the urethra from the anterior vagina in 41% of slides. Nerves and vasculature were concentrated in the lamina propria. More small nerves and vessels were grossly seen compared with larger counterparts in both the vagina and urethra. No significant differences in layer thickness, innervation, or vasculature were observed along the vaginal length. The posterior urethra had greater innervation than did the anterior (P = 0.012). The distal posterior urethra had more large vessels than did the proximal posterior urethra (P = 0.03). No other differences were noted in urethral sections.
CONCLUSIONS
A vaginal fibromuscular layer was confirmed, refuting a true fascia. Innervation and vasculature were quantitatively the same along the anterior vagina. However, the posterior urethra had greater innervation than did anterior and is most innervated proximally. Nerve and vascular histology may relate to pelvic floor disorder etiology.
Topics: Cadaver; Female; Humans; Urethra; Vagina
PubMed: 28118170
DOI: 10.1097/SPV.0000000000000387 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Aug 2002
Topics: Ejaculation; Female; Humans; Orgasm; Sexuality; Vagina
PubMed: 12193958
DOI: 10.1067/mob.2002.125882 -
Annals of Biomedical Engineering Apr 2022Smooth muscle fibers within the vagina, as well as the nerve fibers that contribute to their control mechanisms, are important for the maintenance and alteration of...
Smooth muscle fibers within the vagina, as well as the nerve fibers that contribute to their control mechanisms, are important for the maintenance and alteration of vaginal length and tone. Vaginal smooth muscle (VaSM) is typically described as being arranged into two distinct concentric layers: an inner circular muscular layer and an outer longitudinal muscular layer. However, the distribution of VaSM oriented in the longitudinal direction (LD) and circumferential direction (CD) has never been quantified. In this study, tissue clearing and immunohistochemistry were performed so that the VaSM, and surrounding nerves, within whole rat vaginas ([Formula: see text]) could be imaged without tissue sectioning, preserving the three-dimensional architecture of the organs. Using these methods, the vagina was viewed through the full thickness of the muscularis layer, from the distal to the proximal regions. The VaSM orientation in the proximal and distal regions and the VaSM content along the LD and CD were quantified. Additionally, a qualitative assessment of vaginal nerves was performed. When compared using a permuted version of the Watson [Formula: see text] test, the orientation of VaSM in the proximal and distal regions were found to be significantly different in 4 of the 6 imaged rat vaginas ([Formula: see text]). While the distal vagina contained a similar amount of VaSM oriented within [Formula: see text] of the LD and within [Formula: see text] of the CD, the proximal vagina contained significantly more VaSM oriented towards the LD than towards the CD. Nerve fibers were found to be wavy, running both parallel and perpendicular to vascular and non-vascular smooth muscle within the vagina. Micro-structural analyses, like the one conducted here, are necessary to understand the physiological function and pathological changes of the vagina.
Topics: Animals; Female; Muscle Contraction; Muscle, Smooth; Rats; Urinary Bladder; Vagina
PubMed: 35182248
DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02928-x -
Menopause (New York, N.Y.) 2005
Topics: Cellular Senescence; Estrogens; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Vagina
PubMed: 16278605
DOI: 10.1097/01.gme.0000184217.40588.30 -
Fertility and Sterility Sep 2022To describe the surgical technique of laparoscopically assisted uterovaginal/vestibular anastomosis in patients with cervical atresia associated with partial or complete...
OBJECTIVE
To describe the surgical technique of laparoscopically assisted uterovaginal/vestibular anastomosis in patients with cervical atresia associated with partial or complete absence of the vagina.
DESIGN
Surgical video article. Local institutional review board approval and written permission from the patients were obtained.
SETTING
Tertiary referral center.
PATIENT(S)
The surgical video presents surgical correction in 3 different patients with cervical agenesis. The first patient, aged 14 years, had a normoconformed uterus and total absence of the vagina. The second patient, aged 12 years, demonstrated a left unicornuate uterus and partial absence of the vagina. The third patient, aged 13 years, displayed a right unicornuate uterus and total absence of the vagina.
INTERVENTION(S)
Laparoscopic time and perineal time. During laparoscopy, the entire abdominopelvic cavity was assessed to evaluate the uterine morphology and size to exclude anomalies such as hematometra. The adnexa and adhesions were evaluated and any endometrial flare-ups were treated appropriately. A laparoscopic ultrasound probe was used to evaluate the size and location of the endometrial cavity. In cases with total absence of vaginas, an H-shaped incision in the hymenal dimple allowed a larger area of available tissue for the anastomosis. A tunnel was then created by blunt finger dissection between the bladder and rectum. Simultaneously, the uterus was pushed caudally by an assistant while the operator grasped it from below using an internal probe. A circular myometrial incision at the uterine caudal body allowed to reach the endometrial cavity and open it. The edges of the uterine cavity were then anastomized with the edges of the hymenal incision. In cases with partial absence of vaginas, the creation of the tunnel between the vagina and rectum was not necessary and the open uterus was anastomosed with the margins of the vaginal dome, engraved on the guide of a metal dilator. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics (i.e., cephalosporins of the last available generation) on the day before surgery and on the day of surgery.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Intraoperative anatomic and ultrasound data, neovaginal length, and recovery of menstrual function 180 days after surgery.
RESULT(S)
The surgical procedure was successful in all cases. No major complications were recorded, and in particular, no bladder or rectal injuries occurred. No stenosis of the neocervix was recorded. The main hospital stay of the patients was 3.5 ± 1.5 days. In each case, the neovagina developed gradually over time after surgery because of the upward traction action exerted by the uterus through its natural ligament apparatus (cardinal ligaments and ovarian vessels). This fact eliminated the requirement for the use of a mold after surgery. At the 15-week follow-up, vaginoscopy was performed, with mucus observed at the site of uterovaginal anastomosis in all cases. None of the patients developed infection after surgery because of the avoidance of molds or pessaries and the natural mucus production. Six months after surgery, the length of the neovagina was >4 cm in all 3 cases.
CONCLUSION(S)
Laparoscopic-assisted uterovaginal/vestibular anastomosis may be considered the treatment of choice for patients with cervical atresia associated with partial or complete absence of the vagina.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cephalosporins; Cervix Uteri; Female; Humans; Laparoscopy; Urogenital Abnormalities; Uterine Cervical Diseases; Uterus; Vagina
PubMed: 35817600
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.05.035 -
Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 2009The aim of this study is to elucidate the innervation of human vagina by performing a microdissection and PGP immunohistochemistry study. Seven fresh Korean cadavers...
The aim of this study is to elucidate the innervation of human vagina by performing a microdissection and PGP immunohistochemistry study. Seven fresh Korean cadavers were used. In five cadavers, the site at which the nerve entered the vaginal wall was observed by microdissection. Two vaginas were stained with trichrome and protein gene product 9.5 (PGP) immunostain. Terminal nerve branches in the vaginal wall were most dense at the second 1/5 partition from the inferior anterior wall (1.49 +/- 0.51/cm(2)). Its density started decreasing (0.57 +/- 0.09/cm(2) -0.89 +/- 0.46/cm(2)) and became scarce at the fourth and fifth 1/5 partitions from the bottom (0.37 +/- 0.14/cm(2)/3-0/cm(2)). The mucosa of the anterior vaginal wall at the distal 1/3 point (designated 1) was 3.50 +/- 2.06 mm in thickness and was 1.18 +/- 0.20 mm at the proximal point (designated 2). It was 1.57 +/- 0.78 mm at the distal 1/3 point (designated 3) of the lateral wall and 1.43 +/- 0.39 mm at the proximal 1/3 point (designated 4) of the posterior wall. Point 1 was thicker than 2, 3, and 4. The vaginal muscle of 1 (5.59 +/- 2.74 mm) was thicker than 2 (3.19 +/- 0.62 mm), 3 (3.31 +/- 1.31 mm), and 4 (2.98 +/- 0.33 mm). Small nerve fibers were most dense at 1 (6.5 +/- 1.1/mm(2)) and scarce at 4 (3.8 +/- 1.5/mm(2)). Large nerve fibers were most dense at 1 (1.9 +/- 0.9/mm(2)) and scarce at 2 (0.7 +/- 0.7/mm(2)) and 4 (0.7 +/- 1.0/mm(2)). The density of small nerve fibers is 2 approximately 2.9/mm(2) in the muscle and 0.7 approximately 1.5/mm(2) in large nerve fibers. The second 1/5 partition of the distal anterior wall had significantly richer innervation than the surrounding areas. Therefore, we think this 1/5 partition of the distal anterior wall could be so called "G-spot."
Topics: Arousal; Cadaver; Female; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Mucous Membrane; Nerve Fibers; Nerve Tissue Proteins; Peripheral Nervous System; Reference Values; Vagina
PubMed: 19266382
DOI: 10.1080/00926230802716195 -
MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin Jun 2017
Topics: Adult; Cysts; Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Vagina; Wolffian Ducts
PubMed: 28656418
DOI: 10.1007/s15006-017-9837-5 -
Zeitschrift Fur Kinderchirurgie : Organ... Apr 1989A neonate with persistence of the urogenital sinus, double vaginae and hydrometrocolpos, in association with an anterior perineal anus, ambiguous genitalia and a...
A neonate with persistence of the urogenital sinus, double vaginae and hydrometrocolpos, in association with an anterior perineal anus, ambiguous genitalia and a ventricular septal defect, is described. Abdominal ultrasound led to an early diagnosis which prevented morbidity and mortality from renal failure and unnecessary laparotomy. Drainage was achieved by a perineal procedure.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Surgical Flaps; Urethra; Uterus; Vagina; Vesicovaginal Fistula
PubMed: 2735144
DOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1043217