A scanning electron microscopy study of the effect of proteinase inhibitors on mouse uterine morphology

The luminal uterine surface of mice was examined by scanning electron microscopy after a 24 h treatment with basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) or L-1-tosylamido-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK) administered as a single injection or from a slow release capsule on Day 2 p.c. in doses known to impair fertility. The effect of BPTI was slight, some swelling of cells and loss of microvilli. TPCK, on the other hand, caused disruption of the epithelium through swelling and sloughing of cells, sporadic loss of microvilli, and the presence of red blood cells.