A tissue-engineered human endometrial stroma that responds to cues for secretory differentiation, decidualization, and menstruation.
OBJECTIVE
To show the responsiveness of tissue-engineered human endometrial stroma to combinations of hormones that mimic the secretory and menstrual phases of the cycle.


METHODS
In vitro experimental study.


METHODS
University uterine biology research laboratory.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Telomerase immortalized human endometrial stromal cells cultured in monolayers (two-dimensional, 2D) or encapsulated in a collagen I hydrogel (three-dimensional, 3D) to create a simplified tissue-engineered stroma were exposed to hormone treatments mimicking early and late secretory phases, decidualization, and steroid withdrawal conditions to recapitulate menstruation.


METHODS
Morphologic and biochemical markers of decidualization and collagenase activity.


RESULTS
The 3D tissue can manifest changes in morphology and biochemical markers of decidualization similar to 2D culture and characteristic of endometrial stroma in vivo. Unlike 2D culture, the 3D tissue responded to steroid withdrawal by increased collagenase activity and tissue breakdown.


CONCLUSIONS
Three-dimensional tissue-engineered endometrial stroma can mimic secretory and menstrual phases of the cycle and may be useful for studying uterine receptivity and menstruation in a physiological endocrine environment.
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Stacey C
SC
Schutte
Robert N
RN
Taylor
D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D003094:Collagen / Q000378:metabolism; D017364:Collagenases / Q000378:metabolism; D004247:DNA / Q000378:metabolism; D003656:Decidua / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism*; D004958:Estradiol / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020100:Hydrogels; D008183:Luteal Phase; D011374:Progesterone / Q000378:metabolism; D017154:Stromal Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D019098:Telomerase / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014162:Transfection
D020100:Hydrogels; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D003094:Collagen; D004247:DNA; C509186:TERT protein, human; D019098:Telomerase; D017364:Collagenases