Skip to main content

The differentiation of the decidua and the distribution of metrial gland cells in the pregnant mouse uterus

Cell and Tissue Research volume 187, pages 167–179 (1978)Cite this article

Summary

A study was made with the light microscope of the cellular changes involved in the formation of the decidua in the pregnant mouse uterus up to day 11 of pregnancy. The differentiation sequence was similar to that found by previous workers but the morphology and development of the basal zone is described in more detail. In addition, the morphology of glycogen rich cells in an area termed the lateral decidual zone is described. The distribution of granulated metrial gland cells and their precursors is described. These cells are first found in the uterine stroma before the blastocyst has implanted. Later they occur in the decidua and in the circular smooth muscle zone beneath the mesometrial triangle prior to the formation of the metrial gland. Granulated metrial gland cells are also found in the maternal blood spaces of the implantation site.

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

43,34 €

Price includes VAT (Finland)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

References

  • Baker, B.L.: Histochemical variations in the metrial gland of the rat during pregnancy and lactation. Proc. Soc. exp. Biol. (N.Y.) 68, 492–496 (1948)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bloch, S.: Die Glandula myometralis im Uterus der Maus. Acta anat. (Basel) 56, 103–119 (1964)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bridgman, J.: A morphological study of the development of the placenta of the rat. J. Morph. 83, 61–85 (1948)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bulmer, D., Dickson, A.D.: The fibrinoid capsule of the rat placenta and the disappearance of the decidua. J. Anat. (Lond.) 95, 300–310 (1961)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bulmer, D., Peel, S.: The demonstration of immunoglobulin in the metrial gland cells of the rat placenta. J. Reprod. Fertil. 49, 143–145 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dallenbach-Hellweg, G., Battista, J.V., Dallenbach, F.D.: Immunohistological and histochemical localization of relaxin in the metrial gland of the pregnant rat. Amer. J. Anat. 117, 433–450 (1965)

    Google Scholar 

  • Holmes, R.P., Davies, D.V.: The vascular pattern of the placenta and its development in the rat. J. Obstet. Gynaec. Brit. Cwlth 55, 583–607 (1948)

    Google Scholar 

  • Karnovsky, M.J.: A formaldehyde-glutaraldehyde fixative of high osmolality for use in electron microscopy. J. Cell Biol. 27, 137A (1965)

  • Krehbiel, R.H.: Cytological studies of the decidual reaction in the rat during early pregnancy and in the production of deciduomata. Physiol. Zool. 10, 212–234 (1937)

    Google Scholar 

  • Larkin, L.H., Cardell, R.R.: Differentiation of granulated metrial gland cells in the uterus of the pregnant rat. Amer. J. Anat. 132, 241–258 (1971)

    Google Scholar 

  • Palade, G.E.: A study of fixation for electron microscopy. J. exp. Med. 95, 285–297 (1952)

    Google Scholar 

  • Peel, S., Bulmer, D.: The fine structure of the rat metrial gland in relation to the origin of the granulated cells. J. Anat. (Lond.) 123, 687–696 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Rudell, C.L.: Embedding media for 1–2 micron sectioning. 2. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate combined with 2-butoxyethanol. Stain Technol. 42, 253–255 (1967)

    Google Scholar 

  • Selye, H., McKeown, I.: Studies on the physiology of the maternal placenta in the rat. Proc. roy. Soc. B 119, 1–31 (1935)

    Google Scholar 

  • Smith, L.J.: Metrial gland and other glycogen containing cells in the mouse uterus following mating and through implantation of the embryo. Amer. J. Anat. 119, 15–24 (1966)

    Google Scholar 

  • Stewart, I., Peel, S.: The structure and differentiation of granulated metrial gland cells of the pregnant mouse uterus. Cell Tiss. Res. 184, 517–527 (1977)

    Google Scholar 

  • Velardo, J.T., Dawson, A.B., Olsen, A.G., Hisaw, F.L.: Sequence of histological changes in the uterus and vagina of the rat during the prolongation of pseudopregnancy associated with the presence of deciduomata. Amer. J. Anat. 93, 273–305 (1953)

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Human Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK

    I. Stewart & S. Peel

Authors
  1. I. Stewart
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. S. Peel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Stewart, I., Peel, S. The differentiation of the decidua and the distribution of metrial gland cells in the pregnant mouse uterus. Cell Tissue Res. 187, 167–179 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220629

Download citation

  • Accepted:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00220629

Key words

  • Decidua
  • Differentiation
  • Metrial gland cells (mouse)
  • Distribution
  • Light microscopy