Ultrastructural changes in premalignant and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix with papillomavirus infection

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was intended to determine the possible ultrastructural relations among the human papilloma virus infection, angiogenesis and cellular infiltrate in premalignant and malignant lesions of uterine cervix. 58 samples of cervix were obtained from patients of the ambulatory “Maria Teresa Toro” Aragua, Venezuela, with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. For the ultrastructural study routine transmission electron microscopy techniques were used as well as detection and type definition of HPV by PCR. At the ultrastructural level in CIN I samples vessels reduplication of basement membrane was founded. In this case, type 6 was detected in all CIN samples. In CIN II samples, with a positive report of HPV 16 numerous mast cells were observed. A sample with diagnosis of CIN III with HPV16 exhibited mast cell invaginating toward capillary lumen. In a sample of invasive cervix carcinoma, HPV11 was detected, endothelial cytoplasm prolongations into the lumen were found, and widening of endothelial wall. Changes of microvasculature tissue in premalignant lesions and an increase of thickness of the endothelial wall of capillaries in malignant lesions of uterine cervix indicated the activation of the angiogenesis. Mast cells in the vascular periphery, not only in malignant lesions, but also in premalignant lesions indicate its relationship with angiogenic processes. Key words: Cellular infiltrate, endothelial vascular, cervical cancer, HVP, ultrastructure.