Changes in the surface morphology of the rabbit endometrium related to the estrous and progestational stages of the reproductive cycle

Relationship of apical domes in the rabbit uterine epithelium during the peri-implantation period to endocytosis, apocrine secretion and fixation

“…The correlation between fixation procedure and appearance of domes is sup¬ ported by previous observations. Immersion-fixed tissues showed numerous prominent apical protrusions (Meyer, 1970;Barberini et al, 1978) while perfusion-fixed epithelial cells displayed shallow domes (Davies & Hoffman, 1975 …”

“…During the "secretory phase" between Days 4 and 6 of pregnancy, the luminal epithelial cells exhibit characteristic protrusions of the cytoplasm into the uterine lumen in the the form of dome-like prominences (Meyer, 1970;Beier & Kiihnel, 1973;Davies & Hoffman, 1973,1975Beier, 1974;Barberini, Sartori, Motta & Van Blerkom, 1978). The dome-like projections, often called secretory domes, appeared to be attached to the cells or free within the uterine lumen : it has been suggested that they pinch off from the cells, degenerate, and release their contents into the uterine lumen.…”

“…The dome-like projections, often called secretory domes, appeared to be attached to the cells or free within the uterine lumen : it has been suggested that they pinch off from the cells, degenerate, and release their contents into the uterine lumen. The domes were therefore considered to be indicative of an intense apocrine secretory process and related to the synthesis of uterine-specific proteins released into the uterine lumen at this time (Beier, 1974;Barberini et al, 1978). Apical protrusions have also been observed in the uterine epithelial cells of the human, rat and mouse during the progestational period and most investigators have interpreted them as signs of apocrine secretion (see references in Parr & Parr, 1974).…”

The three-dimensional microanatomy of the liver.

“…In other cases the bile channel may directly open into a large interlobular (portal) duct (MARINOZZI et al, 1977;MOTTA et al, 1978). The luminal wall of the canalicular-ductular junctions and ductules may show pits and delicate blebs ("pinopods"), possibly an expression of a dynamic process of reabsorption (ENDERS and NELSON, 1973;BARBERINI et al, 1978;. These aspects indicate that such intermediary bile ducts-as in other glands-might operate a gradual process of transformation of the primitive hepatocytic secretion through absorption of substances, thus regulating the quantity and the quality of the final secretory product 1982).…”

Collagen Fibrillar Network in Estrous and hCG-Stimulated Rabbit Uterus: A SEM Study after NaOH Macertation.

“…It is well known that fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells are responsible for collagen metabolism in the uterus (SHOENBERG, 1977;ZORN et al, 1989;FUJII et al, 1990;BOREL, 1991;JEFFREY, 1991). We suggest that epithelial proliferation and secretion in the progestational phase (DAVIES andHOFFMAN, 1973, 1975;MOTTA and ANDREWS, 1976;BARBERINI et al, 1978) resulting in increasing mechanical distension, leads to an evident remodeling of the uterine collagen network. This is obviously due to the effect of hCG on the ovary, whose hormones regulate these processes in the uterus before implantation.…”