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7 March 2012 Identification of Label-Retaining Perivascular Cells in a Mouse Model of Endometrial Decidualization, Breakdown, and Repair
Tu'uhevaha J. Kaitu'u-Lino, Louie Ye, Lois A. Salamonsen, Jane E. Girling, Caroline E. Gargett
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Abstract

The human endometrium is incredibly dynamic, undergoing monthly cycles of growth and regression during a woman's reproductive life. Endometrial repair at the cessation of menstruation is critical for reestablishment of a functional endometrium receptive for embryo implantation; however, little is understood about the mechanisms behind this rapid and highly efficient process. This study utilized a functional mouse model of endometrial breakdown and repair to assess changes in endometrial vasculature that accompany these dynamic processes. Given that adult endometrial stem/progenitor cells identified in human and mouse endometrium are likely contributors to the remarkable regenerative capacity of endometrium, we also assessed label-retaining cells (LRC) as candidate stromal stem/progenitor cells and examined their relationship with endometrial vasculature. Newborn mouse pups were pulse-labeled with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and chased for 5 wk before decidualization, endometrial breakdown, and repair were induced by hormonal manipulation. Mean vessel density did not change significantly throughout breakdown and repair; however, significantly elevated endothelial cell proliferation was observed in decidual tissue. Stromal LRC were identified throughout breakdown and repair, with significantly fewer observed during endometrial repair than before decidualization. A significantly higher percentage of LRC were associated with vasculature during repair than before decidualization, and a proportion were undergoing proliferation, indicative of their functional capacity. This study is the first to examine the endometrial vasculature and candidate stromal stem/progenitor cells in a functional mouse model of endometrial breakdown and repair and provides functional evidence suggesting that perivascular LRC may contribute to endometrial stromal expansion during the extensive remodeling associated with this process.

© 2012 by the Society for the Study of Reproduction, Inc.
Tu'uhevaha J. Kaitu'u-Lino, Louie Ye, Lois A. Salamonsen, Jane E. Girling, and Caroline E. Gargett "Identification of Label-Retaining Perivascular Cells in a Mouse Model of Endometrial Decidualization, Breakdown, and Repair," Biology of Reproduction 86(6), (7 March 2012). https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod.112.099309
Received: 20 January 2012; Accepted: 1 March 2012; Published: 7 March 2012
KEYWORDS
blood vessels
Endometrium
label-retaining cells
menstruation
progenitor cells
stromal cells
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