Objective To study the biological effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the process of embryo implantation in mouse Materials & Methods The transcription and translocation of bFGF and its receptor (Flg) in endometrium of 60 Kunming mice were detected with the methods of im munohistochemistry and hybridization in situ. Endometrial tissue was obtained on the day 4 from pregnancy mice. The cells were cultured and attached in 1 : 1 F12/DMEM (vol/vol) supplemented with 10% FBS for 24 h The medium supplemented with 1% FBS and bFGF (50 ng/mL), anti-bFGF antibody (250 ng/mL) or anti-Flg antibody (250 ng/mL) was added in different culture wells. At different culture stages, the biological effect of bFGF on cell survival and expression of LN, FN and c-myc was detected by using MTT analysis, immunohistochemistry and hybridization in situ.Results bFGF and Flg was located in luminal and glandual cells on day 4 and 5 of pregnancy. Embryonic implantation was accompanied by increased bFGF and its recep tor in decidual cell around implantation site, in which low level of bFGF and its recep tor was apparent on day 7 and 8 of pregnancy. In vitro, the OD value in culture wells containing bFGF was significantly higher than that in control group. Exogenous bFGF promoted the expression of LN, FN and c-myc.Conclusion Changes in the cell-specific distribution of bFGF and the effects of bFGF on cultured endometrial cells imply a multifunctional role of the growth factor in uterine cell proliferation, differentiation and embryonic implantation.

Objective The ultrastructure of endometrium women suffering from endometriosis was compared with those from women of normal reproductive age.Materials & Methods Six specimens of eutopic endometrium were taken from women diagnosed with endometriosis. Three specimens were taken from women at normal reproductive-age. The specimens, all at early proliferative phase, were processed for ultrastructural study.Results Compared with the normal, the secretory cells of the epithelium of endometrium from women with endometriosis had more numerous and longer microvil li. In the cytoplasm, there were more secretory granules and mitochondria. The RER was more prominent and with dilated cisternae. Lipid droplets and electron dense particles were frequently seen. The cilia ciliated cells were increased and elongated remarkably. The basement membrane became markedly tortouas.Conclusion The endometrium from women with endometriosis showed a number of features which are abnormal. This might be the origin of endometriosis and a cause o f sterility.

Objective To explore the correlation between neuropeptide and functional hypothalam ic amenorrhea (FHA)Materials & Methods The basic and GnRH-stimulated levels of serum FSH, LH and plasma β-endorphin (β-EP), somatostatin (SS) in 33 patients with FHA and 17 women with normal menstrual cycles were tested by RIA.Results β-EP level in FHA group was significantly higher than that in control group and had a negative correlation with FSH and LH. The basic SS level in FHA group had no significant difference compared with the control group, but it had negative correlation with LH and no correlation with FSH. β-EP level in FHA group decreased after being stimulated with GnRH, and reached its minimum value after 15 min, then gradually rose back to the basic level. β-EP level in control group had no regular changes. SS level in both group did not change obviously.Conclusion The increased level of β-EP may play an important role in FHA. GnRH can inhibit β-EP level to some extent, while the effect of SS on FHA deserve further research.

Objective In this double-blind randomized trial, we compare the effect of 75 mg mifeprostone in capsules on termination of early pregnancy was compared with that of 150 mg in tablets combined with misoprostol. Methods A total of 160 patients were randomly divided into two groups with 80 for each group. The capsule group was administered with mifeprostone 75 mg in capsules,placebo tablets and misoprostol 0. 6 mg. The tablet group was administered with mifeprostone 150 mg in tablets, placebo capsules and misoprostol 0. 6 mg.Results The complete abortion rate in the capsule group and in the tablet group was 98. 8% and 97. 5% respectively, with no significant difference (P＞ 0. 05). There were no significant differences in bleeding time after abortion, side effects, recovery of menstruation or length of menstrual period between the two groups.Conclusion The clinical effect of mifeprostone capsule is the same with that of tablet in combination with misoprostol in terminating early pregnancy, while dose and cost is lower and the side effect is smaller. Mi feprostone capsule is recommended to be widely used for terminating early pregnancy.

Objective To study son preferences and the contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practices of Indian Male Subjects & Methods The data was obtained through a semi-structured interview schedule caried out in 2 687 married men at Mumbai City, India in 1999.Results About 80% of men felt two children as their ideal family size, while 82%desired two children i.e. one son and one daughter. 8. 2% of men had strong prefer ence for two or more sons because of family lineage, old age support and to support each other.23. 1% of the couples had used contraceptives in the past, 48% of couples were not using any contraceptive method at the time of survey. Male participation in spacing contraceptive methods was 23% i.e. condom 21.9% and withdrawal 1.1%. Though awareness (99. 9% ) and knowledge (95. 2% ) of condom was high, only 42. 8% of subjects knew use the correct of the method. Only 2. 4% of them thought about accept ing vasectomy, while others reported various misconception.Conclusion This study suggests a pressing need for effective intervention strategies,both at the community level and the clinic level, backed with efficient motivation, coun seling and provision of quality services in urban areas.

Users of oral contraceptives have an increased risk of developing venous throm boembolism as well as mammary cancer. This raises the question as to whether locally applied (intrauterine) contraceptives can offer a valuable alternative with respect to efficiency and safety. During the past decade the use of modern intrauterine devices (IUDs) has made substantial progress in comparison with the IUDs during the 1970s and 1980s. Modern IUDs have become more efficient than oral contraception. Argu ments against the use of IUDs (problems and complications in IUD insertion, the risk of pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility as well as side effects such as menorrhagia, pelvic cramps and IUD expulsion) generally appear to be based on a lack of awareness with respect to recent developments and on misunder standings derived from bad experiences during the 1980s and earlier.