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Isolation, Proliferation and Differentiation of Rhesus Macaque Adipose-Derived Stem Cells
Published on: May 26, 2021
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Endometrial decidualization and deciduosis in aged rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Amanda P Beck1, Ildiko Erdelyi2, Caroline J Zeiss3
1Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA; Department of Metabolism and Aging, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA.
Comparative Medicine
|March 29, 2014
Summary
This study reports pronounced decidualization in two rhesus macaques treated with medroxyprogesterone acetate. Unique cases showed peritoneal serosal decidualization alongside colon cancer, a first for this species.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Primate Endocrinology
- Pathology
Background:
- Decidualization of the endometrial stroma is crucial for pregnancy implantation in primates.
- Ectopic decidua (deciduosis) can occur outside the endometrium, commonly in ovaries, uterus, and cervix.
- Medroxyprogesterone acetate is a synthetic progestogen used in treating conditions like endometriosis.
Observation:
- Two rhesus macaques with long-term medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment exhibited significant endometrial decidualization.
- One macaque presented with florid extrauterine and peritoneal serosal decidualization.
- This decidualization was multifocally admixed with carcinomatosis from a primary colonic adenocarcinoma.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed decidual cells expressed stromal markers (CD10, collagen IV, smooth muscle actin, vimentin) and not cytokeratin.
- Carcinomatous foci were cytokeratin-positive, distinguishing them from decidual cells.
- This is the first report of serosal peritoneal decidualization in rhesus macaques.
Implications:
- Highlights potential for progestogen-induced decidualization outside the endometrium in primates.
- Describes a unique co-occurrence of peritoneal decidualization and carcinomatosis.
- Provides insights into primate reproductive pathology and potential diagnostic challenges.

