Cellular exchange in an endometriosis-adhesion model using GFP transgenic mice

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease that affects women of reproductive age and may lead to impaired fertility. Cell attachment, invasion of the underlying tissue, and vascular ingrowth are important processes in endometrial lesion development. However, the degree of cellular exchange between host peritoneum and endometrial tissue is unclear.

An experimental endometriosis model was employed whereby uterine horn fragments from wild-type mice were implanted into genetically identical eGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) host mice and vice versa. Hormone sensitivity of the ectopic lesions was assessed and cellular exchange determined histologically.

White cyst-like lesions developed from implanted fibrin-rich fragments by day 7. Lesions consisted of a well-developed stroma with glandular and luminal epithelium. Both ovariectomy and treatment with a GnRH agonist, leuprorelin, resulted in the suppression of ectopic lesion growth, whereas estradiol treatment increased the size of the ectopic lesion (4 mice per group on day 14). Ingrowth and outgrowth of blood vessels was apparent as well as the exchange of cells between host peritoneum and lesion.

These findings support the proposal that there is a close cellular interplay between host peritoneum and ectopic tissue and the suitability of this mouse model to study these interactions.