THE LIPOFUSCIN-IRON ASSOCIATION IN PIGMENTOSIS TUBAE

Pigmentosis tubae (PT) is a rare condition characterized by the presen ce of numerous lipofuscin-laden macrophages in the lamina propria of t he fallopian tube. Two women, who also had endometriotic ovarian cysts , showed polypoid pigmented tuba[ mucosae. In addition to lipofuscin, occasional cells showed spotty positivity for iron. Ultrastructural ex amination of the tubal mucosa showed the lipofuscin-containing bodies, which were similar to lipofuscin-containing lysosomes found in other pigmented conditions. Cytoplasmatic ferritin and hemosiderin in sidero somes were observed in macrophages and endothelial cells of the lamina propria. The present study is the first to demonstrate the presence o f iron-containing particles and lipofuscin in the residual bodies of P T. The origin of the excess iron is not clear, but erythrophagocytosis and an abnormal tubal environment could play a role. Iron-promoted li pid peroxidation may alter the lysosomal membranes and contribute to t he excessive accumulation of lipofuscin in these cells.