Determination of the number and distribution of macrophages, lymphocytes, and granulocytes in the mouse uterus from mating through implantation.
The concentration and distribution of F4-80 positive cells (macrophages) and common leukocyte antigen (CLA) positive (bone marrow derived) cells were assessed in mouse uterus between days 1 and 8 of pregnancy. High numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes were present on days 1 and 2, but not thereafter. Granulocytes were found both in the endometrium and within the luminal epithelium. The percentage of total cells contributed by macrophages was high on days 1 and 2. That percentage decreased significantly on day 3, then increased again on day 5 and remained high through day 8. Macrophages always were found in myometrial stroma. Macrophages were found throughout the endometrium on days 2 through 8. High numbers of macrophages were observed near epithelia, particularly on days 1, 2, 4, and 5. Few F4-80+ or CLA+ cells were observed within the developing primary and secondary decidua. The results demonstrate that an inflammation-like cellular response occurs in the uterus following mating and that macrophages are a major cellular component of the uterus during early pregnancy.
De
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Department of Pathology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66103.
Choudhuri
R
R
Wood
G W
GW
D000818:Animals; D000941:Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006098:Granulocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology* / Q000276:immunology; D051379:Mice; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000097:blood*; D014599:Uterus / Q000166:cytology
D000941:Antigens