Path reproduction Flashcards
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Describe the different cell types within the female reproductive system ?
Cell types within the female reproductive tract
Ovary
- germ cells and follicular cells
- lymphoid cells are usually absent
Uterus
- Epithelial lining of Columnar cells
- stroma and endometrial glands
( inflammatory and immune cells - especially during oestrous when the uterus is open to the external environment).
Vulva/Vagina/ and part of the cervix
- Stratified squamous epithelium (varies with the stage of the cycle)
- Anoestrous predominantly basal type
(large nucleus and very litle cytoplasm).
Proestrous the epithelium become mature so that at oestrous the majority of cells are superfical epithelial cells with pyknotic or no nuclei.
- lymphoid follicles beneath the epithelium are normal in the distal vagina.
What are the defense mechanisms of the female reproductive tract against disease ?
Defense mechanisms of the female reproductive tract
Ovary
- inflammatory response
- hyperplasia
Uterine tube
- very narrow, function is easily altered if there is inflammation, oedema or scarring
- hydrosalpinx, pyosalpinx
Uterus
mild endometritis
- neutrophils and macrophages migrate through the stroma and may cross the epithelium into the lumen
pyometra
- neutrophils and necrotics debris begin to accumulate in the lumen
- chronic cases epithelium may become stratified (squamous metaplasia
- severe necrosis and erosion of epithelium
cystic endometrial hyperplasia
Vulva and vagina
- inflammation and hyperplasia
- keratinisation of the squamous epithelium
- exocytosis of inflammatory cells especially neutrophils
- lymphocytes may form a band beneath the epithelium giving a granular appearance
What are the portals of entry for the female reproductive tract
Portals of entry
Asending infections
- note mare cerivix relatively loose and has a greater diameters compared to other species (may be opened with digital pressure.
- usually occurs during oestrous
Haematogenous
- Brucellosis, salmonellosis, Pestiviral and
Herpes
Descending from the ovary
- rare; via uterine tube
Transaxonal
- eg herpes virus
Describe the main defence mechanisms of female reproductive tract ?
Defense mechanisms
The reproductive tract must provide a sterile environment for the development of the foetus, but must allow the entry of antigenic and infectious material (semen)
- Protective epithelium
- Cervix
- Myometrial tone
- Secretions from the uterus and vagina (flushing action)
- anatomy and conformation
Why are infections easier to overcome at oestrus ?
Hormones influences
Oestrous
- Oestrogen promotes defense mechanisms
- better drainage through the cervix
- up regulation of T and B lymphocytes
The uterus is more susceptable to infection during the luteal phase of the cycle
- progesterone depresses defense mechanisms
Why would chronic endometrial inflammation increase susceptability to infection ?
Chronic endometrial inflammation increases the risk of infection.
Due to the loss of epithelial and mucosal surface loss
- thus decreased production of prostaglandin
- CL persistant
- uterus is more susceptable to infection due to the persistance of progesterone
Acute endometrial inflammation
Causes an increased production of prostaglandin and lysis of the corpus luteum
- reduced production of progesterone
Describe the three stages of sexual development ?
The three stages of sexual development
3 sequential processes
1. Chromosomal sex is determined at conception
2. gonadal sex occurs early in foetal development
3. phenotypic sex follows soon after
What is the difference between major and minor anomalies of sexual development ?
Sexual development
Major anomalies
Those that result in dramatic abnormalities in sexual phenotype and usually result in infertility.
- genetic
- gonadal development and differentiation of tubular genitalia
Minor anomalies
Incidental findings of no significance
(many different types esp cyst)
Describe the pathology resulting in a freemartin ?
Freemartinism (chimeras)
This usually occurs in mixed sex pregnancies in cattle (occasionally sheep).
Chromosomal disorder of sexual development XXXY
Twin
The placenta fuses and both twins share a common placental blood circulation.
- both chimera of haematopoietic systems
- the male gonadal hormones inhibit development of the reproductive tract of the female foetus
Identify this pathology and describe its clinical signs and consequences ?
Freemartinism (chimeras)
Usually occurs in mixed pregnancies of cattle
XXXY
The freemartin = the female of a set of male/female twins
- the male is minimally affected
Clinical signs in female
- underdeveloped reproductive tract and is infertile
- externall (phenotypically female)
- vagina short (no connection to uterine elements
- clitoris enlarged, vulva is small
- ovotestes, testes and vesicular glands
Phenotypically female
Identify this pathology and describe the clinical signs ?
True hermaphrodite (rare)
XX disorder of sexual development
Pathology
XX sex reversal
Clinical signs
Usually phenotypically female with masculinisation (large clitoris)
Have both male and female gonadal tissue
- usually ovotestes
- no spermatogenesis or follicle development
- American Cocker spaniel (autosomal recessive), goats associated with the poll gene
Identify this pathology and describe the clinical signs ?
Male Pseudohermaphrodites
XY DSD (disorder of sexual development)
Clinical signs
Male feminisation syndrome
- mismatch between the tubular / external genitalia and the gonadal sex (XY sex reversal)
- have testes
- may have female phenotype; female tubular elements, abnormal androgen synthesis/ receptors
- ambiguous sexual development.
Identify this pathology and describe its consequences ?
Segmental aplasia
of uterus or uterine horn
Identify this pathology ?
Imperforate hymen
Failure of the paramesonephric duct to make a proper connection with the urogenital sinus, leaving a persistant hymen.
- membrane where the two precursor tissue join
If the hymen is completely imperforate then secretions may build up in the vagina, cervix and uterus.
Define unilateral or bilateral agenesis ?
Unilateral or bilateral ageness
Developmental abnormalities
Tubular genitalia remain infantile
Describe the developmental anomalies of a hypoplastic ovarie and vascular hamartomas ?
Developmental anomalies
Hypoplastic ovaries
The reproductive tract remains infantile
- small, lack follicles or surface scars from ovulation
- may be genetic or chromosomal factors
- a infantile reproductive tract may occur secondary to malnutrition
Vascular hamartomas
An incidental findings in cow, sow and mare
- dark red mass on the surface of the ovary
- connective tissue and vascular channels lined by mature endothelial cells.
Identify and describe this pathology ?
Paraovarian cysts
Developmental anomalie
This is the cystic remnants of the paramesonephric ducts.
- fimbrial cyts
- common in mares frequently known as the hydatid of morgani
- may be several cm in diameter
- cystic accessory uterine tubes are found within the mesosalphinx
Identify and describe this pathology ?
Cystic rete ovarii
Developmental anomalie
These cyst arise from the mesonephric remnants
- may be several cm in diameter
- incidental findings in bitches
- cats; can be unilocular and very large causing pressure atrophy of the ovary
(must differentiate from ovarian neoplasia histologically)
Define and describe Oophoritis and Ovarian bursal adhesions ?
Definitions (acquired ovarian lesions)
OOphoritis
- inflammation of the ovary
- not common
Ovarian bursal adhesions
Thin to large sheets of fibrous tissue between the ovary, bursa and mesosalpinx
- can be caused by a ascending infection
- more common in cattle
Describe the location and pathology of an epithelial inclusion cysts ?
Epithelial inclusion cyst
(common in horses)
It is believed the surface ovarian epithelium becomes pinched off during ovulation.
- forms around ovulation fossa
- cyst formed from fluid accumulation
- may appear to look like follicles but do not regress
- size and number may block ovulation
Define a corpus haemorrhagicum ?
Corpus haemorrhagicum
Pathology
- normal for a small amount of haemorrhage to occur post ovulation
- Horses can however bleed extensively = Corpus haemorrhagicum / haematoma
- manual expression of the CL in a cow
Describe the pathology which leads to cystic ovarian degeneration (COD) in cows.
Cystic ovarian degeneration (COD)
cows
This condition is linked to stress
It leads to a prolonged interval from calving to first post partum oestrus.
Pathology
- ACTH or cortisol inhibits the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus
- this prevents the up regulation of LH receptors in the ovary - inadequate LH surge and the failure of ovulation
- also has some links to uterine infection (increased PGF2A conc, endotoxins act on adrenal gland to increase cortisol).
Describe the clinical signs of cystic ovarian degeneration disease (COD) in cattle ?
Describe the clinical signs of cystic ovarian degeneration disease (COD) in cattle
(in other species Cystic ovarian disease).
The clinical signs
- folicular cyst are much larger than normal follicles and usually greater than 2.5cm in diameter
- sometimes these anovulatory cyst become luteinized
Identify this lesion, and its pathology ?
Cystic Corpus luteum
(acquired ovarian lesions)
The pathology remains unknown
- Ovulation occurs but a large irregular cyst develops in the Corpus luteum. (Need to distinguish from a luteinised cyst).
Has no effect upon the length of the oestrous cycle
- maintains enough luteal tissue and progesterone
Identify this type of neoplasm, and the tissue it develops from ?
Ovarian Teratoma
(Germ cell ovarian tumour, rare)
- derived from primitive germs cells
- weird looking benign tumours
Identify this neoplasm and the tissue it is derived from ?
Granulosa cell tumours
Ovarian Stromal neoplasm
This is the most common ovarian neoplasm in large animals
- solid
- cystic or polycystic unilateral neoplasms
- round smooth surface
- upto 30cm diameter
- Microscopically; normal granulosa cells in irregular shaped follicles
Identify this type of neoplasm and the tissue it was derived from ?
Cystadenocarcinoma
epithelial ovarian neoplasms
originate from the surface epithelium of the ovary eg carcinoma
Clinical signs
- frequently bilateral
- shaggy appearance
- malignant forms spread over the peritoneal surface and serosal surfaces of organs
Define Salpingitis and Hydrosalphinx ?
Definitions
Salpingitis
- Inflammation of the uterine tube
- is usually secondary to metritis, endometritis or pyometra
- thickening of mucosa and increased amounts of luminal exudate
Hydrosalphinx
Distension of the uterine tubes with a clear fluid
- due to mechanical/ or functional obstruction
Identify this lesion ?
Subinvolution of the placental sites in the bitch
Describe the pathology of endometrtritis ?
Endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium
Pathology
- often a result of ascending infection
- usually post partum or during oestrous
- predisposed eg retained placenta
- occasionally infection may occur through the haematogenous route (especially during pregnancy when organisms localize at the uteroplacental interface. Brucellosis).
Describe the differences between acute and chronic endometritis ?
Endometritis
Inflammation of the endometrium
Acute endometritis
Synthesis of PGF2A in cattle/horses causes a premature regression of the CL; and shortening of the oestrous cycle.
- swollen mucosa
- rough surface
- adherent strands of fibrin
- neutrophils in stroma
Chronic endometrosis
The loss of endometrium results in reduced PGF2A production and leads to a persistant CL (especially in cows and horses)
- replacement of necrotic endometrium with granulation tissue devoid of glands
Identify this lesion describe its pathology ?
Metritis
Inflammation of all the layers of the uterine wall.
- more severe and advanced then endometritis
Identify this lesion and describe its pathology ?
Pyometria
Sequela to metritis or endometritis, acute or chronic
Pathology
- cervix may be partially open - discharge
- often under the influence of progesterone
(reducing activity of inflammatory cells)
- endometrial hyperplasia and increased secretions contribute to purulent uterine contents
Luminal epithelial cells are highly vacuolated
large numbers of lymphocytes
Identify this lesion and describe its pathology ?
Torsion of the uterus
Pathology
- often pregnant animals
- may occur due to infections
- results in vascular compromise
- uterine wall becomes congested and odematous
- uterine wall may become friable and prone to rupture
Identify this lesion and describe its pathology ?
Cystic endometrial hyperplasia
(bitch)
This change occurs under the action of progesterone after oestrus
- may create a suitable environment for bacteria to proliferate
- also possible bacteria are always present in the uterus of a dog with CEH
(Sheep may occur secondarily to persistant and prolonged oestrogenic stimuli eg oestrogenic plants legumes, granulosa cell tumour)
In all species the cystic changes are probably irreversible
Define Conceptus, foetus and FOP ?
Definitions
Conceptus = (product of conception) includes the embryo and all its membranes.
Foetus = The embryo becomes a foetus around days 35-45 in large animals. At this point in development the features of its species and sex are evident.
FOP = Failure of pregnancy