Changes in the uterine vasculature during the menstrual cycle.

The uterine vasculature of 15 uteri, which were hysterectomized for cervical cancer, has been studied. The removed uteri were immediately cannulated with four catheters inserted into the uterine arteries and veins and the vasculature was flushed with a saline-heparin solution. The vessels were clearly visualized by injection of radioopaque medium or of 5-10 ml prevulcanized natural latex, followed by tissue digestion. Histological studies of uterine specimens were also carried out for histomorphologic studies. The results show differences in the architecture of uterine vasculature, related to the cyclic hormonal changes. Most of the modifications occur in the radial and coiled arteries as well as in "venous lakes" of the endometrium.