PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H B Croxatto

Publications and source records attributed to H B Croxatto.

176 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Egg transport in the fallopian tube.

The transport of eggs from the site of ovulation to the site of implantation is a fundamental step of the reproductive process in the female. The fallopian tube effects the major part of this function and times the passage of eggs into the endometrial environment. As a result of different combinations of speed of progression and retention periods through the various regions of the oviduct, the pattern of transport differs from one species to another. The role of muscular contraction, ciliary movement and flow of secretions in the mechanisms of progression and retention are still poorly understood. Estrogens and progestins have a pronounced influence upon egg transport, but the responses to exogenous hormones are quite variable and depend mainly upon species, dose and time of administration. Species differences prevent from broader generalizations at this time and indicate the need for further comparative studies.

Animals↗

A seven-cell human egg recovered from the oviduct.

A seven-cell human egg recovered from the proximal middle quarter of the oviduct is described. Whether or not it is a normal representative of this stage of human development cannot be established at the present time. The specimen was recovered 83 hours after intercourse and 77 hours after the first significant elevation of the luteinizing hormone level in the urine. According to these data and the results of the endometrial and corpus luteum biopsies, the age of the egg was estimated to be approximately 72 hours. An analysis of size and the reaction of the blastomeres to toluidine blue suggests that they already show some differentiation at this early stage of development. The addition of these findings to previous reports of eggs recovered from human oviducts and uteri gives support to the concept that human eggs are delivered to the endometrial cavity when they contain between 7 and 12 blastomeres.

Adult↗

Progestin implants.

Progestin implants for contraception are highly effective, safe, and the most convenient choice for many women. Progestin implants currently on the market, preparing for launch, or under investigation are reviewed here. Their basic galenic and pharmacokinetic features, as well as their contraceptive effectiveness, are described. The first progestin-only contraceptive implant placed on the market was Norplant, a multiunit system. Since then, several single- and double-rod implants have been developed, each using one of four different progestins: levonorgestrel, etonogestrel, Nestorone and nomegestrol acetate. Jadelle is similar to Norplant but consists of only two, rather than six, Silastic rods to simplify insertion and removal; nevertheless, levonorgesterel serum levels are identical, and performance is the same for both systems. The single implant systems reviewed here are: Implanon with a 3-year duration; Nestorone implants for breast feeding and non-breast feeding women lasting up to 2 years; and Uniplant, which is effective for 1 year. The advantages and disadvantages of progestin implants, the importance of counseling for increasing user satisfaction, and the future outlook for this contraceptive method are also discussed.

Administration, Intravaginal↗

Vaginal rings for contraception in lactating women.

Contraceptive methods for breastfeeding women should be safe for the mother and infant and should not interfere with lactation. Progestin-only methods meet these conditions and can be used from the sixth week postpartum. Because all progestins are excreted in milk, those that are insufficiently active by the oral route are preferable to avoid any possible effect on the baby. These steroids, however, must be administered to the mother by a non-oral route. Initially, progesterone was administered subdermally to test this concept. Subsequently, a progesterone vaginal ring was developed to be used continuously for 3 to 4 months and replaced with a new device, as needed, until weaning. Clinical trials have shown a high contraceptive efficacy (over 98.5%) and safety. The gross continuation rate of this method is approximately 40% at 12 months of use, with use-related problems being the main reason for discontinuation (26.8%). Currently, a Nestorone vaginal ring is under development, delivering 50 microg of Nestorone per day. It may be used continuously for up to one year, even if weaning occurs earlier. Both of these progestin-only rings prolong lactational amenorrhea to 10 to 12 months, which represents a health benefit and convenience for many women. The registration of the progesterone vaginal ring, developed as a contraceptive method to be used exclusively during lactation, has been approved in Chile and Perú. The fact that it is a user-controlled long-term contraceptive that delivers a natural hormone makes it an attractive option for many women.

Administration, Intravaginal↗