Vaginal sensitivity in rodent endometriosis models stems from key interactions.

2003 NOV 6 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Vaginal sensitivity in rodent endometriosis models stems from key interactions.

According to recent research from the United States, "a rat model of endometriosis, in which pieces of uterine horn (versus fat in controls) are autotransplanted into the abdomen where they form cysts, reduces fecundity and produces vaginal hyperalgesia. The cysts gradually enlarge over a 2-month period postsurgically and then plateau. Cysts regress with low estrogen levels and reappear when they rise."

"Based on the hypothesis that the vaginal hyperalgesia depends upon the cysts, this study tested two predictions: that (1) the hyperalgesia would develop postsurgically in parallel with the cysts, and (2) the hyperalgesia would vary with estrous, being greatest when estrogen levels are high (proestrus) and least when low (estrus)," said A.M. Cason and colleagues, Florida State University, Neuroscience Program.

"In rats trained to escape vaginal distention, percentage escape responses to different distention volumes were measured across the rat's 4-day estrous cycle for 2.5 months before and up to 4 months after autotransplantation of uterus (n=9) or fat (n=6) in abdominal sites. Vaginal pressures were also measured."

"In rats with uterine but not fat autotransplants, escape ...