Introduction: Preterm labour is a common obstetric problem. The human myometrium is formed of two types of cells namely smooth muscles and interstitial Cajal like cells or telocytes which express both estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Aim of the work: This study aimed to know how many telocytes are present in the pregnant uteri at time of labour in the different gestational ages and the possible role of telocytes in preterm labour.
Patients and methods: 10 pregnant women were included in the study planned to do cesarean section. They were divided into two groups: Group I: included 5 cases whose gestational age was less than 37 weeks (preterm). Group II: included 5 cases whose gestational age was more than 37 weeks (full term). Specimens were obtained from the myometrium at the time of the operation and processed for histological and immunohistochemical study.
Results: H&E stained sections revealed hypertrophied smooth muscle fibers with different orientations. Methylene blue stain revealed telocytes between the smooth muscle fibers as a branched cell with small cell body and thin long processes. CD 117 (ckit) immunostaining revealed an apparent increase in the number of telocytes in preterm cases (Group I) compared to full term cases (Group II). Morphometric study revealed a significant increase in the number of ckit positive telocytes in preterm cases compared to the full term one.
Conclusion: telocytes are present in the pregnant uteri at different gestational ages with a significant increase in their number in the preterm cases; they may have a possible role in preterm labour.