title: Three-dimensional cultures of human endometrial cells on Matrigel mimic in vivo morphology.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The regulation of endometrial physiology and morphogenesis by the paracrine effectors has been well established using in vivo studies. A more complete understanding of the endometrial function has been delayed due, in part, to a lack of appropriate culture models. In this study, we aimed to simulate the in vivo three-dimensional (3-D) growth pattern of endometrial cells using a 3-D in vitro culture system.
  
  
  METHODS
  Isolated endometrial epithelial cells, stromal cells and RL95-2 cells were seeded into culture chambers coated with the extracellular matrix Matrigel and observed using light microscopy. Fluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the morphology.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Depending on the culture conditions, epithelial cells and RL95-2 cells formed multicellular structures on Matrigel; stromal cells remained individually distinguishable or grew together to form 3-D lattice-like structures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Matrigel provided a good microenvironment for culturing endometrial cells. The cells cultured in the Matrigel-coated chambers closely resembled those seen in vivo.
authors.affiliation: Assisted Reproduction Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310016, China.
authors.forename: Hai-yan
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Jun-xia
authors.initials: JX
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Xiao-mei
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Tong
authors.forename: Wei-hai
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Xu
authors.forename: Ling-ying
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Jiang
authors.forename: Xiao-ying
authors.initials: XY
authors.lastname: Jing
authors.forename: Ling-yun
authors.initials: LY
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Song-ying
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Zhang
mesh_terms: D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry