Investigations into the Uterine Mucosa. V

Abstract

The methods applied in the determination of the cyclic endometrial changes are based on the papers by HITSCHMANN and ADLER 23 -Actn Obstet. et Gynecol. Vol. XXVII. Fasc. 4. 340 BERTIL FALCONERand later CLAURERG, KAUFMANN, WERNER and COLLIER, and others, demonstrated that these two hormones have a particular influence upon the human endometrium. The relation of the cyclic endometrial changes to ovarian hormones was thus established.About 1930 evidence was brought forward t h a t the ovarian function was largely under the control of the pituitary. Later, the correlated actions of the hypophyseal-diencephalic and the neuro-endocrine systems upon the female reproductive apparatus and all organs related to it, was demonstrated.Since the uterine mucosa so to speak reflects the alternating synergy and antagonism of these organs and organic systems. i t is quite natural that analysis of the endometrium has become an indispensible aid in nearly every gynaecological case. II. Development of the Technique and its Terminology.The first determination of the endometrial phases were made either on extirpated uteri or on curettage material. As knowledge of the importance of subjecting the individual patient to serial examinations increased, the methods of the so-called endometrial biopsies were developed in the nineteen-thirties. In 1930, MARTIX and ELLIS, and a year later GEIST, published each one case, in which they had removed specimens of uterine mucosa through aspiration with the aid of a syringe. In the following years, KINGSLEY and BURCH, further developed this technique though BURCH occasionally still used the ))ordinary cup specimen forceps)). In 1936, RANDALL published the first comprehensive series of cases, in which biopsies were taken with the aid of an instrument, specially deviced for this purpose, which nowadays is known by the name of )>cannula cureti). Later, REIFFERSCHEID, LORINCZ and DAVIS, JACOBY, MEIGS, ROCK, WINKELSTEIN and GENELL, described similar instruments, which they used alternatively with or without an aspiration-device.At the Department of Women's Diseases of Karolinska Sjukhuset, Stockholm, )Exploratory curettage)) (GENELL) was first performed together with aspiration (suction curettage). In recent years, however, this operation was made with the aid of the GENELL curet without applying aspiration. This procedure is definitely

Studies of Metropathia Haemorrhagica Cystica

“…h. but also in many other mucosal types and, indeed, may also be seen in otherwise normal membranes. Of interest is the fact that it may often occur in states that can be interpreted as ovarian deficiency (STEFANCSIK, 1942;FALCONER, 1946).…”