Bone marrow origin of decidual cell precursors in the pseudopregnant mouse uterus.

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Abstract
Decidual cells are considered to be the endproduct of a hormonally induced transformation of endometrial stromal cells of the uterus. However, the source of these precursors remains unknown. This study evaluated the possibility of their bone marrow origin by an examination of the H-2 phenotype of decidual cells in pseudopregnant bone marrow chimeras. These chimeras were produced by repopulating lethally irradiated CBA/J female (H-2k) mice with bone marrow from (CBA/J .times. C57BL/6J)F1 female (H-2kb) mice. Pseudopregnancy was produced with a hormonal regimen followed by an oil-induced decidual stimulus. Chimerism was evaluated radioautographically by an identification of the donor-specific Kb phenotype on cells with an immunolabeling technique with monospecific anti-H-2 serum followed by radioiodinated protein A. The extent of chimerism as indicated by the degree of Kb labeling on decidual cells and macrophages contained within the decidual nodules was quantitatively compared with that seen on splenic lymphocytes. Fair to good chimerism, as reflected by labeling for the donor-specific marker (Kb), was seen on splenic lymphocytes and macrophages within the decidual nodules in 6 of 11 animals. A similar level of chimerism was detected on decidual cells in all but 1 of these 6, in which case this was low. One animal showed low chimerism in the spleen but good chimerism on the decidual cells. The remaining 4 mice were nonchimeric for all 3 cell types. Decidual cells and macrophages appearing within the decidual nodules for pseudopregnant mice appear to be ultimate descendants of bone marrow cells.