Lysosomal hydrolases in exudates stimulated by an intra-uterine device.

Smears of exudate from 32 intrauterine devices and contact impressions of 11 normal endometria were evaluated and compared for proportion of polymorphonuclear and mononuclear inflammatory cells and presence and site of activity of lysosomal hydrolases. Similar cell types at different proportions were found in both groups but IUD exudates contained a greater proportion of polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Enzymatic activity promarily localized to leukocytes and macrophages was greater in IUD specimens as revealed by moderate to marked staining for lysosomal hydrolases. Interstitial cell number was also increased in IUD smears. Although these observations do not necessarily explain the contraceptive effect of an IUD they document the increased potential for intracellular digestion by the reticuloendothelial cells which are stimulated by the presence of an intrauterine foreign body.