Analyzing three-dimensional ultrastructure of human cervical tissue using optical coherence tomography

• DOI: 10.1364/boe.6.001090
• Publication Date: 2015-03-03T18:33:24Z
• Authors: Yu Gan; Wang Yao; Kristin. M Myers; Joy Y. Vink; Ronald. J. Wapner; Christine P. Hendon
• Keywords: Cervical canal; Collagen fiber

During pregnancy, the uterine cervix is mechanical barrier that prevents delivery of a fetus. The underlying cervical collagen ultrastructure, which influences overall properties cervix, plays role in maintaining successful pregnancy until term. Yet, not much known about this ultrastructure pregnant and nonpregnant human tissue. We used optical coherence tomography to investigate directionality dispersion fiber bundles cervix. An image analysis tool has been developed, combining stitching method with orientation measurement, study axially sliced samples. This was analyze ex-vivo non-pregnant hysterectomy tissue samples taken at internal os, region adjacent uterus. With tool, maps were analyzed. It found preferred fibers for both circling around inner canal. Pregnant showed greater than Lastly, we observed regional differences dispersion. Fibers closer canal more on radial edges.