The Functional Morphology of the Human Endometrium and Decidua

Immunohistochemical and histochemical identification of proteins and carbohydrates in the equine endometrium: Reaction patterns in the cycling mare

“…Moreover, the mosaic staining reaction pattern for CAL and GLY indicate among cell differences within a single uterine gland. This hypothesis is supported by the observation that different cells do not react identically and synchrously in their accumulation of GLY after exposure to progesterone (Spornitz 1992). In conclusion, the investigated proteins and GLY demonstrated typical patterns of expression throughout the estrus cycle.…”

Immune cells in the placental bed

“…It is therefore possible that the detection of unaltered numbers of CD56+ cells, but a decrease in perforin, granzyme B and cytoplasmic granules, in early second trimester decidua compared with first trimester decidua may reflect loss of granules. Degranulation after the first trimester has been earlier suggested based on electron microscope studies (Spornitz, 1992). Loss of cytoplasmic granules containing perforin and granzyme may reflect altered cellular function as gestation progresses.…”

Nuclear pore complex proteins mark the implantation window in human endometrium

“…Apparently, NCSs are induced by the action of progesterone but steroid receptors are not enriched in NCSs (Table 2) (Kohorn et al, 1970;Kohorn et al, 1972;Pryse-Davies et al, 1979;Roberts et al, 1975). NCSs are only one of several precisely timed ultrastructural changes occurring in postovulation endometrial epithelial cells (Spornitz, 1992). The uniform 1 μm size of NCSs and the limited number of one per nucleus, indicate that their growth is controlled and not a random proliferation.…”

“…In fact, histological changes have been the gold standard for endometrial dating for the past 50 years, but their value has recently been questioned (Coutifaris et al, 2004;Murray et al, 2004;Noyes et al, 1950). Among the ultrastructural hallmarks of secretory endometrial epithelial cells are giant mitochondria, subnuclear glycogen deposits, pinopodes and nucleolar channel systems (NCSs) (Martel, 1981;Spornitz, 1992). Whereas giant mitochondria and subnuclear glycogen deposits appear in the early luteal phase, pinopodes (see Discussion) and NCSs more closely overlap with the mid-luteal window of implantation and could serve as potential markers (Clyman, 1963;Nikas et al, 1995).…”