Morphology and histochemistry of the endometrial cup.
The luminal and cut surface of endometrial cups were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The distribution of PAS-positive and lipid materials in cup tissue was studied and most of the lipid material was localized in the large polyhedral cup cells. The lipid droplets gave positive reactions for DNPH in the cholesterol test of Schultz. They also exhibited autofluorescence and were therefore considered to be steroidal in nature. The significance of this possibility, particularly with regard to maintenance of early pregnancy in the mare, is discussed.
D000818:Animals; D004717:Endometrium / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D006651:Histocytochemistry; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010504:Periodic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D011247:Pregnancy
D008055:Lipids; D010504:Periodic Acid