Fetal cells in cervical mucus in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to first evaluate the presence of fetal cells in cervical mucus samples collected in the first trimester of pregnancy and then to compare different laboratory methods for the detection of these cells.

Methods: Mucus samples were collected by using a cytobrush before termination of pregnancy (TOP) from 143 pregnant women between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. None of the women had undergone an invasive diagnostic procedure prior to cervical mucus sampling.

Strategies for the isolation and detection of fetal cells in transcervical samples.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the detection of fetal cells from transcervical samples, collected in early pregnancy, by means of different molecular techniques. The value of the isolation of trophoblasts using an inverted microscope, also referred to as micromanipulation, is discussed.

Methods: All the 89 specimens were obtained by intrauterine lavages before termination of pregnancy (TOP), between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation.

Detection of fetal cells in intrauterine lavage samples collected in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was first to evaluate the presence of fetal cells in transcervical cell (TCC) samples collected by intrauterine lavage in the first trimester of pregnancy, and then to compare different methods for the detection of these cells.

Methods: TCC samples were collected by intrauterine lavage before termination of pregnancy (TOP) from 81 pregnant women between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation. Samples of placental tissue were collected from each patient at TOP, whereas maternal peripheral blood samples were obtained in 57 cases.

Immunologic infertility: a basic review.

Antisperm antibodies interfere with the human reproductive events and once they have been produced, antisperm antibodies bind to the spermatic surface and affect both the transport of spermatozoa and the interactions between the gametes. The formation of antisperm antibodies has still not been completely explained and the antigen map of the spermatic surface has not been yet established. The antibody levels in the serum generally do not reflect the immunoglobulin present in the secretions of reproductive tract and in the immunologic screening of the infertile couple we need of direct analysis of antisperm antibodies on the spermatic surfaces.

Role of vaginal surgery in the 1st stage endometrial cancer. Experience of the Florence School.

The role of vaginal surgery in first stage endometrial carcinoma is reviewed. Out of total of 231 patients with endometrial cancer, observed at the Gynecologic Clinic of Florence from 1977 to 1981, 187 were at Stage I and 180 of them were submitted to surgery. During the period 1977-1979, the treatment protocol recommended vaginal hysterectomy; since 1980 abdominal surgery has prevailed.