Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Establishing 3D Endometrial Organoids from the Mouse Uterus
Published on: January 6, 2023
Endometrial epithelial cells in peritoneal fluid during the early follicular phase
R F Kruitwagen1, L G Poels, W N Willemsen
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Radboud University Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
Peritoneal fluid (PF) was obtained during the early follicular phase in 24 women at laparoscopy as part of infertility investigation. The cells present in PF were pelleted and cultured. Developing endometrial epithelial cell colonies were identified in 19 women (79%). Identification of these cell colonies was facilitated using the monoclonal antibody BW 495/36 as specific marker. The number of endometrial epithelial cell colonies showed a large variation (1 to 200 or more PF sample). No significant distinction in incidence and number of cell colonies was found between women with minimal (n = 11) and without endometriosis (n = 12). A significant correlation with number of cell colonies was found in women with infertility and no mechanical and male infertility factors. These data indicate that retrograde transport of viable endometrial cells during menstruation occurs in most women with patent tubes. Implications of the results for the relation between retrograde menstruation, endometriosis, and infertility are discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Ovarian Cycle
Uterine Tubes
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
Proliferative Phase
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...

