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Updated: Jun 10, 2026
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Isolation of Primary Human Decidual Cells from the Fetal Membranes of Term Placentae
Published on: April 30, 2018
Lymphatics in the human endometrium disappear during decidualization
Mila Volchek1, Jane E Girling, Gendie E Lash
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Centre for Women's Health Research, 246 Clayton Rd, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England)
|August 24, 2010
Summary
Decidualization of the endometrium leads to a loss of lymphatic vessels, especially around spiral arteries. This study details lymphatic distribution in the human placental bed during pregnancy.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Vascular biology
- Immunology
Background:
- The placenta is crucial for maternal-fetal tolerance and fluid balance.
- Lymphatic vessels play a role in placental function.
- Understanding lymphatic distribution in the decidua is key to pregnancy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map lymphatic vessel distribution in the human decidua.
- To investigate lymphatics near spiral arteries during decidualization and trophoblast invasion.
Main Methods:
- Biopsies of placental bed and decidua parietalis from 41 women (6-18 weeks gestation) and 5 women (term C-section).
- Double immunohistochemical labeling to identify lymphatic vessels alongside other cell types.
- Analysis of 273 areas across 46 samples, totaling 1638 images.
Main Results:
- Lymphatic vessels were abundant in non-decidualized endometrium but nearly absent in decidua.
- Lymphatics were notably absent around spiral arteries in decidualized stroma.
- Lymphatics in non-decidualized endometrium grew larger and more elongated with gestation.
Conclusions:
- Endometrial decidualization causes a significant loss of lymphatics.
- This lymphatic loss is particularly pronounced around remodeling spiral arteries.
- Novel insights into placental bed lymphatics and their changes during pregnancy.
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