No abstract

Automated image cytometry is a readily performed investigation which is comparable to, but more sensitive than, flow cytometry. Complementary use of ploidy analysis and p57KIP2 status can now help to distinguish a diploid hydropic miscarriage (p57KIP2-positive), diploid complete mole (p57KIP2-negative) and triploid partial mole (p57KIP2-positive).

Fallopian tubes from ten premenopausal women were collected and examined for the presence of inhibin, activin and its type IIA and IIB receptors (ActRIIA and ActRIIB) in the endosalpinx. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated clear staining for the bA, bB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB that increased in intensity from the isthmus to the ampulla. No staining for the a subunit was observed. Whilst the staining of the bA subunit and ActRIIA was seen in almost every epithelial cell, staining for the bB subunit and ActRIIB was more variable. In situ hybridization and RT-PCR confirmed the presence of mRNA for the bA, bB subunits and ActRIIA and ActRIIB. These results indicated that the epithelium of the uterine tube is able to synthesize activin but not inhibin and has receptors for activin. Activins may thus act as paracrine regulators of tubal epithelial cell function, and embryonic activity may also bind to epithelial receptor and initiate intracellular processes that alter epithelial cell secretions.

The study proposes Sheffield quantitative criteria to assist the grading of squamous cell abnormalities. Quantitative diameter NC ratio measurements, however, must always be accompanied by detailed assessment of qualitative morphological features and in particular those relating to nuclear chromatin. This is equally relevant to both two- and three-tier models.

There are in excess of 80 human papillomavirus (HPV) types, of which over 20 are able to infect the male or female anogenital tract (HPV database ; http :\\hpv-web.lanl.gov\). While most HPV-associated lesions will remain benign or will regress spontaneously, approximately 15 % of all HPV-positive cases will progress to high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)