Pathology of the Female Genital Tract Flashcards
(35 cards)
What are the different portal os entry for pathogens in the female genital tract?
- Ascending infection
- Haematogenous spread
- Descending from ovary
- Transneural infection
How does the innate immune system prevent infection in the female genital tract?
Sterile environment:
- physical barriers e.g. cervix
- neutrophils, macrophages, complement, cytokines
How does the adaptive immune system prevent infection of the female genital tract?
Response to pathogens by tolerate spermatozoa and foetus
- Humoral immunity e.g. local and systemic antibodies
- Cellular immunity e.g. T cells
How does oestrogen influence immunity?
Disease resistance is under the influence of oestrogen (upregulates T and B cells)
How does progesterone (P4) influence immunity?
Uterus more susceptible to infections during pregnancy
promotes poorer immunity due to presence of foetus when progesterone is high
What does inflammation of the uterus lead to in terms of hormone production?
Epithelial and mucosal surface loss, leading to decreased PGF2alpha production (no lyses of CL)
When is there better drainage of the cervix?
At oestrus because the cervix is open
Where and what disorders of the female genital tract occur?
Developmental abnormalities
Non-infectious disease
Infectious disease
Neoplasia
At what levels can sex be determined?
Genetic
Gonadal
Ductal
Phenotypic
What is the difference between a male pseudohermaphrodite and a true haemophrodite?
Male = testes replace ovaries True = gondal tissues of male and female
What are the types of developmental ovarian cysts?
Panovarian cysts Intraovarian cysts (Don't cause infertility unless large size reached)
What are the types of acquired ovarian cysts?
Follicular cysts
Anovulatory luteinised cysts (luteal)
Cystic corpora cutea
Describe follicular cysts….
Failure of mature follicle to ovulate >2.5cm (cow), >1cm (sow) Persistence for over 10 days Anovulation without lutinisation due to HPOA abnormality Lack of LH peak Stress = high cortisol which reduces GnRH levels Anoestrus Nymphomania
Describe anovulatory cysts (luteal cysts)
Anovulation with luteinisation of theca - Delayed or insufficient LH peak Thicker wall Mostly anoestrus Some progesterone production Interferes with regular cycling
Describe cystic corpora lutea…
Normal ovulation
Ovulation papilla on surface
No infertility
Confused with luteal cysts
What is oophoritis?
Inflammation of the ovary
Rare
Infectious causes: FIP, BVD
Ascending or systemic infection
What ovarian neoplasias are there?
Germ cell neoplasm
- Dysgerminoma
- Teratoma
Gonadal stroma neoplasm
- Granulosa cell tumour
- Tecoma
- Luteoma
Epithelial neoplasm
- Cystdenoma
- Cystadenocarcinoma
Secondary neoplasia
- Lymphoma
- Mammary carcinoma bitch
- Intestinal carincoma cow
What is dysgerminoma?
Primitive germ cell neoplasm
Smooths surface
Areas of haemorrhage or necrosis
Mostly benign and undifferentiated
What is a teratoma?
Totipotent germ cell tumour
Solid and cystic areas can include bone, hair, cartilage
Mixed tissues
Mostly benign and well differentiated
Non infectious disease of the oviduct?
Hydrosalpinx (distally blocked oviduct filled with serous or clear fluid)
- Congenital
- Acquired
Infectious diseases of the oviduct?
Pyosalpinx
Salpingitis (inflammation of wall)
Non-infectious diseases of the uterus?
Physical
- Torsion, rupture, prolapse
Endometrial growth disturbances
- Endometrial hyperplasia, mucometra, hydrometra, pseudopregnancy
What is cystic endometrial hyperplasia?
Thickened wall with nodular cysts in wall of dog uterus
Extended luteal phase (high P4) = sensitive to irritant leading to cystic distension of uterine glands
How are cystic endometrial hyperplasia and pyometra linked in the bitch?
CEH predisposes pyo because nodular environment provides ideal growth environment
High P4 = weakened immunity
