Biomaterial Database

The pathology of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. 1984

B L Sheppard

The mechanism of dysfunctional uterine bleeding remains unknown. Recent studies suggest that the majority of cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding are due to local endometrial, or myometrial, dysfunction. Changes in the pattern of production of prostaglandins PGE2, PGF2 alpha, prostacyclin and thromboxane and increased fibrinolytic activity in the endometrium have been implicated in this disorder. Successful treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding with the prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor mefenamic acid and the fibrinolytic inhibitors epsilon amino caproic acid and tranexamic acid further substantiates the role of prostaglandins and fibrinolysis in pathological menstruation. The relationship between uterine mast cells, heparin-like activity and menstrual bleeding still needs to be elucidated. Further studies are required to improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding, so that advances can be made in a specific treatment to restore normal menstrual function.

UI	MeSH Term	Description	Entries
D008407	Mast Cells	Granulated cells that are found in almost all tissues, most abundantly in the skin and the gastrointestinal tract. Like the BASOPHILS, mast cells contain large amounts of HISTAMINE and HEPARIN. Unlike basophils, mast cells normally remain in the tissues and do not circulate in the blood. Mast cells, derived from the bone marrow stem cells, are regulated by the STEM CELL FACTOR.	Basophils, Tissue,Basophil, Tissue,Cell, Mast,Cells, Mast,Mast Cell,Tissue Basophil,Tissue Basophils
D008595	Menorrhagia	Excessive uterine bleeding during MENSTRUATION.	Hypermenorrhea,Heavy Menstrual Bleeding,Heavy Periods,Heavy Period,Menstrual Bleeding, Heavy
D008598	Menstruation	The periodic shedding of the ENDOMETRIUM and associated menstrual bleeding in the MENSTRUAL CYCLE of humans and primates. Menstruation is due to the decline in circulating PROGESTERONE, and occurs at the late LUTEAL PHASE when LUTEOLYSIS of the CORPUS LUTEUM takes place.
D011458	Prostaglandins E	(11 alpha,13E,15S)-11,15-Dihydroxy-9-oxoprost-13-en-1-oic acid (PGE(1)); (5Z,11 alpha,13E,15S)-11,15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGE(2)); and (5Z,11 alpha,13E,15S,17Z)-11,15-dihydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,13,17-trien-1-oic acid (PGE(3)). Three of the six naturally occurring prostaglandins. They are considered primary in that no one is derived from another in living organisms. Originally isolated from sheep seminal fluid and vesicles, they are found in many organs and tissues and play a major role in mediating various physiological activities.	PGE
D011460	Prostaglandins F	(9 alpha,11 alpha,13E,15S)-9,11,15-Trihydroxyprost-13-en-1-oic acid (PGF(1 alpha)); (5Z,9 alpha,11,alpha,13E,15S)-9,11,15-trihydroxyprosta-5,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGF(2 alpha)); (5Z,9 alpha,11 alpha,13E,15S,17Z)-9,11,15-trihydroxyprosta-5,13,17-trien-1-oic acid (PGF(3 alpha)). A family of prostaglandins that includes three of the six naturally occurring prostaglandins. All naturally occurring PGF have an alpha configuration at the 9-carbon position. They stimulate uterine and bronchial smooth muscle and are often used as oxytocics.	PGF
D001792	Blood Platelets	Non-nucleated disk-shaped cells formed in the megakaryocyte and found in the blood of all mammals. They are mainly involved in blood coagulation.	Platelets,Thrombocytes,Blood Platelet,Platelet,Platelet, Blood,Platelets, Blood,Thrombocyte
D004717	Endometrium	The mucous membrane lining of the uterine cavity that is hormonally responsive during the MENSTRUAL CYCLE and PREGNANCY. The endometrium undergoes cyclic changes that characterize MENSTRUATION. After successful FERTILIZATION, it serves to sustain the developing embryo.	Endometria
D005260	Female		Females
D005337	Fibrin	A protein derived from FIBRINOGEN in the presence of THROMBIN, which forms part of the blood clot.	Antithrombin I
D005342	Fibrinolysis	The natural enzymatic dissolution of FIBRIN.	Fibrinolyses