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(Uterine Decidualisation) |
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''Uterine decidualisation'' is the process by which uterine stromal cells differentiate in response to both steroid hormones (progesterone) and embryonic signals into large epitheliod decidual cells. This process is essential for the progress of implantation and establishing fetal-maternal communication. | |||
=Introduction= | =Introduction= | ||
=Decidual | The [[U#uterus|uterus]] is an organ of the female internal reproductive tract that houses the conceptus for the vast majority of development. Outside of pregnancy the uterus has an inner lining (endometrium) that undergoes [[Menstrual Cycle|cyclic changes]] in response to reproductive hormones. However, following [[Implantation|implantation]], these cycles cease and the endometrium must undergo morphological and functional changes in order to accommodate development of the conceptus. This process of changes, known as uterine decidualisation, causes the endometrium form highly specialised '''decidua'''. These changes are largely mediated by sustained high levels of maternal [[P#progesterone|progesterone]], and signals the beginning of '''placentation''' in the mother and child. | ||
=Decidual changes= | |||
[[Image:Placenta_anchoring_villi.jpg|thumb|right|450px|Decidual cells surrounding anchoring villi at the implantation site]] | |||
The endometrium consists of an epithelial layer lining the inside of the uterus, as well as an underlying layer of vasculature, cells and dense connective tissue (collectively known as the '''stroma'''). Uterine glands are simple invaginations of the endometrium that extend into the stroma. It is important to note that during pregnancy decidual changes occur only in the stroma and uterine glands. | |||
As the blastocyst implants during week 2, the trophoblast layers push into the endometrium, triggering decidual changes in both nearby endometrial cells and the surrounding matrix. This decidualisation then spreads through the entire uterus (but not the cervix). Endometrial cells begin to accumulate lipids and glycogen, with deposition of fibrinoid and glycogen and epithelial plaque formation at anchoring villi. The stromal layer thickens and becomes highly vascularised. While initially only occurring at the site of implantation, decidualisation then spreads through the entire uterus (but not the cervix). | |||
Revision as of 16:28, 6 July 2014
Uterine decidualisation is the process by which uterine stromal cells differentiate in response to both steroid hormones (progesterone) and embryonic signals into large epitheliod decidual cells. This process is essential for the progress of implantation and establishing fetal-maternal communication.
Introduction
The uterus is an organ of the female internal reproductive tract that houses the conceptus for the vast majority of development. Outside of pregnancy the uterus has an inner lining (endometrium) that undergoes cyclic changes in response to reproductive hormones. However, following implantation, these cycles cease and the endometrium must undergo morphological and functional changes in order to accommodate development of the conceptus. This process of changes, known as uterine decidualisation, causes the endometrium form highly specialised decidua. These changes are largely mediated by sustained high levels of maternal progesterone, and signals the beginning of placentation in the mother and child.
Decidual changes
The endometrium consists of an epithelial layer lining the inside of the uterus, as well as an underlying layer of vasculature, cells and dense connective tissue (collectively known as the stroma). Uterine glands are simple invaginations of the endometrium that extend into the stroma. It is important to note that during pregnancy decidual changes occur only in the stroma and uterine glands.
As the blastocyst implants during week 2, the trophoblast layers push into the endometrium, triggering decidual changes in both nearby endometrial cells and the surrounding matrix. This decidualisation then spreads through the entire uterus (but not the cervix). Endometrial cells begin to accumulate lipids and glycogen, with deposition of fibrinoid and glycogen and epithelial plaque formation at anchoring villi. The stromal layer thickens and becomes highly vascularised. While initially only occurring at the site of implantation, decidualisation then spreads through the entire uterus (but not the cervix).
