Uterine Rat Telocyte Structure and Organization: An Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study.

Introduction: Telocytes (TCs) are a kind of interstitial cell found in a variety of organs, including the uterus. They regulate uterine contractions, maintain pregnancy, and prevent premature labour. The purpose of this research was to study the structure, organisation and distribution of telocytes in different uterine layers in adult and senile rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-four female rats were equally divided into four groups: GI: adult non-pregnant, GII pregnant, GIII postpartum, and GIV senile. The uterine samples from middle one-third of the right horns were processed for light microscopic examination were treated using C-kit stains for immunohistochemical detection of telocytes, and TEM examination. Morphometric and statistical analysis for the data were done. Results: Telocytes were detected in the endometrium and myometrium of adult non-pregnant uteri as tiny cells with numerous lengthy telopodes. There was a significant increase in endometrial telocytes with a significant decrease in myometrial telocytes in (GII). (GIII) and (GIV) had the largest count of myometrial telocytes. Conclusion: Telocytes were found in the endometrium and myometrium of the rat uterus. Telocytes serve as a uterine peacekeeper, initiating and coordinating myometrial contraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]