Abstract
Summary
We aspirated peritoneal fluid from pregnant mice on days 3, 9, and 17, as well as 1 week postpartum. A reduction of mesothelial cells was observed on day 9 whereas lymphocytes decreased on day 17 of gestation. Polymorphonuclear leukocytes steadily increased as pregnancy progressed and in general, presented an inverse image with lymphocytes. Pregnancy increased histiocytes, but we did not notice a significant change in mast cells. The results suggest that the hormones of pregnancy alter the peritoneal fluid cytology in mice and some of the changes are similar to those previously observed by us in women.
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