The mouse endometrium contains epithelial, endothelial and leucocyte populations expressing the stem cell marker telomerase reverse transcriptase

Abstract

This study was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia grants (1085435, C.E.G., J.A.D.), 1021127 (C.E.G.), NHMRC Senior Research Fellowship (1042298, C.E.G.), the Victorian Infrastructure Support Program, U.S. National Institutes of Health grant R01 DK084056 (D.T.B.) and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute (D.T.B.). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Bone Marrow Stem Cells Do Not Contribute to Endometrial Cell Lineages in Chimeric Mouse Models

“…S2C, S2D). Thus, estrogen supplementation of irradiated mice induced endometrial regeneration and reversed the uterine atrophy previously linked to reduced endometrial mTert‐ GFP expression .…”

The endometrium as a source of mesenchymal stem cells in domestic animals and possible applications in veterinary medicine

“…[50][51][52] The presence of epithelial and endothelial cell populations has also been reported in the endometria of cycling mice expressing mTert (Telomerase reverse transcriptase). 53 Because adult stem cells have slow cycles and divide only during tissue replacement to replace lost cells, they can be identified in vivo using the ligase chain reaction (LCR) technique. These studies have been conducted in mouse uteri marked with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU).…”

“…73,75 Furthermore, BMDSC transplantation in a murine model of Asherman's syndrome improved fertility in the mice, demonstrating a functional role for these cells in uterine repair. 76 Many reproductive alterations are associated with abnormal endometrial proliferation; therefore, endometrial MSCs may perform an important role in the physiopathology of diseases, including human endometriosis, adenomyosis, and infertility problems related to hypoplasia or endometrial atrophy, 53 and probably in some important diseases within veterinary medicine, such as cystic endometrial hyperplasia in dogs, equine endometriosis and endometrial cancer. However, these roles have…”

“…This syndrome is characterized by uterine atrophy and the production of adherences to the endometrium due to trauma, which produces infertility as a consequence. 53 In equines, endometriosis is a chronic degenerative disease produced by chronic inflammation that causes infertility in mares; this disease originates in endometrial fibrosis and uterus gland alterations. [80][81][82] Currently, no effective treatments are available for this disease, although the administration of MSCs from adipose tissue has been shown to prevent its progression.…”

“…84 Endometrial MSCs have been hypothesized to play a significant role in the physiopathology of this disease. 53 Currently, efforts are being undertaken to acknowledge the real participation of these cells and to design a strategy for the treatment and control of this disease. Cystic endometrial hyperplasia/pyometra is a poly-systemic disorder that may be chronic or acute, is present in adult female dogs, and is characterized by endometrial hyperplasia associated with high progesterone and oestrogen production that is generally complicated with an ascending infection.…”