Project

Histology of the vulvar vestibule and histopathology of the vestibule in the setting of provoked vulvodynia

Code
bof/baf/4y/2024/01/1061
Duration
01 January 2024 → 31 December 2025
Funding
Regional and community funding: Special Research Fund
Research disciplines
  • Medical and health sciences
    • Inflammation
    • Dermatology
    • Gynaecology
Keywords
vulvodynia neuroproliferation inflammation vulvar vestibule dyspareunia
 
Project description

Provoked vestibulodynia is characterized by mechanical (and thermal) allodynia localized to the mucosa of the vaginal vestibule. Histopathologically, this appears to involve hyperinnervation (increased subepithelial or intraepithelial nociceptive Aδ and C nerve fibers) and inflammation, as suggested by animal models where inflammation triggers hyperinnervation. However, human studies are inconsistent, and the specific cells involved (e.g., mast cells) remain unclear. With nearly 200 vestibulectomies annually, we have substantial material to better describe the histopathology of vestibulodynia and further investigate the role of the inflammasome.