Cytology of the Monkey Endometrium Under Influence of Follicular and Corpus Luteum Hormones. ∗

Abstract

The histologic features of the endometrium of Macacus rhesus monkeys under treatment with the ovarian hormones have already been described by one of us (Hisaw 1 ). We have had the opportunity to make cytological studies involving the use of various special stains upon specimens from 4 uteri under the influence of the ovarian follicular hormone (oestrin) and upon specimens from 6 uteri under the influence of the corpus luteum hormone (corporin). The monkeys used were castrated immature or young adult females, and the dosage and duration of treatment were sufficient to produce the histologic pictures in the endometrium which have been described (Hisaw 1 ) as characteristic of oestrin or of corporin stimulation.

Glycogen. Special staining methods do not ordinarily reveal the presence of any glycogen in the endometrial epithelial cells during treatment with pure oestrin. However, minute traces of glycogen may be found occasionally in the basal ends of some cells following prolonged treatment with large doses of oestrin. The presence of glycogen is a characteristic feature of the endometrial response to the administration of corporin. One of the earliest manifestations of corporin influence, as revealed by ordinary routine staining methods, is a migration of the epithelial nuclei toward the lumina of the glands, leaving a conspicuous clear zone between the nuclei and the basement membrane (Hisaw 1 ). Special stains reveal that this clear zone contains masses of glycogen which form beneath the nuclei and separate them from the basement membrane. With continued corporin administration the nuclei return after a few days to the basement membrane, and the glycogen masses are found at the luminal ends of the cells. During the transitional period glycogen is found at both poles of many cells, and small particles of glycogen may be seen lying along the sides of the nuclei.