Methods of detection of lymphatics and their changes with oestrous cycle

It is difficult to detect lymphatics, and it is extremely risky to identify a lymphatic by only one method. We are attempting accurate identification of a lymphatic by gradually narrowing the field of division by the use of four methods: (1) puncture injection of dye fluid; (2) arterial injection of silver nitrate solution and indian ink; (3) staining of semi- ultrathin sections with toluidine blue, and (4) confirmation by electron microscopy. Observation by these methods of the endometria of the human uterus and of rats in different stages of the respective oestrous cycles has revealed that the lymphatics change with the oestrous cycle. Interestingly, the changes are not only in the thickness but also in the number of lymphatics. Lymphatics have further been found not evenly distributed in organs but concentrated in certain areas.