Skip to main content
Figure 4 | Journal of Ovarian Research

Figure 4

From: Very small embryonic-like stem cells are the elusive mouse endometrial stem cells- a pilot study

Figure 4

Histology of mouse uterus of different treatment groups. A and F Ovariectomized GpA. B and G Estradiol alone GpB. C and H Progesterone alone GpC D and I E + P GpD E, J and K E + P withdrawal GpE. As evident the ovariectomized uterus was atrophied (A) and the cells were tightly packed (F) whereas estradiol treatment resulted in increased size of the uterus (B) with increased proliferation in both the glands and stromal cells (G). Epithelial cells were tall and columnar and frequent mitotic figures were observed. Luminal epithelium appeared highly folded, glands were also bigger and lot of edema in the stromal compartment. Progesterone treatment exerted minimal effect and the uterus remained small in size (C) with densely packed cells (H). E + P treatment resulted in a receptive endometrium with characteristic narrowing of uterine lumen (D), tall epithelial cells lined the lumen and the glands and lot of edema and increased vascularity was evident in the stromal compartment. In contrast to the apically placed nuclei after estradiol treatment (G), in E + P treated section the nuclei are more centrally placed (I), suggestive of a receptive condition when nutrients required for successful implantation shift to the apical end of the epithelial cells. Also secretory activity was evident on the apical surface of luminal epithelial cells. Withdrawal of E + P resulted in repair and remodeling suggested by the presence of a compacted uterus (E), small epithelial cells with increased nucleo-cytoplasmic ratio and dense compact stromal cells (J & K). Scale bars represent 20 μm.

Back to article page