title: Cytoskeletal alterations in the microvilli of uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy.
abstract: We have studied the arrangement of microfilaments in uterine microvilli during early pregnancy, using transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy. Observations indicate that changes in actin microfilament organization occur in association with the alterations to the uterine cell surface which precede blastocyst implantation. We consider these findings with reference to the possible mechanisms involved.
authors.affiliation: Department of Histology and Embryology, University of Sydney, Australia.
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Luxford
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Murphy
mesh_terms: D008841:Actin Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D000818:Animals; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D004848:Epithelium / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008871:Microvilli / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014599:Uterus / Q000166:cytology* / Q000648:ultrastructure