Development and characterization of an endometrial tissue culture model for study of early implantation events

Fertil Steril. 2012 Dec;98(6):1581-9. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.08.013. Epub 2012 Sep 8.

Abstract

Objective: To improve and characterize an endometrial tissue culture model.

Design: Experimental study of the characteristics of mouse endometrial tissue cultured on amniotic membrane matrix.

Setting: University research laboratory.

Animal(s): Sexually mature female ICR mice.

Intervention(s): Histologic examination of the cultured endometrial tissues. The attachment rates of the cultured tissues to implantation blastocysts under various conditions were determined.

Main outcome measure(s): Morphometric analysis of the cultured tissues. Blastocyst attachment rate and expression of decidualization markers cylcooxygenase-2, connexin 43, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor δ.

Result(s): Endometrial tissues could be grown on amniotic membrane matrix for 3 days with morphometric parameters similar to those in the in vivo pseudopregnant control. The cultured tissues responded to the surrounding steroid environment. Morphometric assessment indicated that medium containing 63.5 nmol/L P and 0.9 nmol/L E(2) provided the best support. The condition allowed attachment of approximately 60% of the cocultured blastocysts. A small percentage of the attached blastocyst started to penetrate the luminal epithelium within 28 hours. The attachment rate was significantly reduced with prior treatment of the cultured endometrium with anti-leukemia inhibitory factor antibody. The attached blastocyst induced decidualization around the attachment site.

Conclusion(s): The model is useful for the study on implantation in the mouse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amnion / physiology*
  • Animals
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Embryo Transfer / methods*
  • Endometrium / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred ICR
  • Models, Animal*
  • Tissue Culture Techniques / methods*