ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE UTERINE EPITHELIUM DURING THE HORMONAL INDUCTION OF SENSITIVITY AND INSENSITIVITY TO A DECIDUAL STIMULUS IN THE MOUSE

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Abstract
SUMMARY Uterine sensitivity and insensitivity to a decidual stimulus were induced in ovariectomized mice by daily treatment with progesterone and oestradiol. Uteri from these animals were examined with the electron microscope in an attempt to correlate ultrastructural changes with these states. Progesterone alone brings the uterus to a state of 'presensitivity' and this is characterized by closure of the uterine lumen with interdigitation of microvilli from opposite luminal surfaces. This state can be held for long periods but when oestrogen is also given the uterus becomes sensitive for a short period and then insensitive. Morphologically the latter state is characterized by very close apposition of the luminal surfaces with the loss of the microvillous structure. This is referred to as the second stage of closure and is usually reached after 4 or 5 days of treatment with low sensitizing doses of oestradiol, but with higher doses, which induce insensitivity to a decidual stimulus, it is reached prematurely.

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