[Changes in the specific cytochemical properties of rat decidual cells during differentiation]

The antimesometrial part of rat's decidua of 8-9 day of gestation was divided into three parts: epithelial, transition and basal zones. Cells of either zone have their own morphological and cytochemical features. Cells of the epithelial zone are characterized by synthesis of tissue specific antigens and fat (fatty acids). Cells of the transition zone synthesize glycogen. Acid mucopolysaccharides are located in the basal zone only. Decidual cells do not synthesize cholesterol. Con A receptors are localized on the surface of cells of the basal and transition zones and disappear from the surface of epithelial zone cells. It is concluded that differentiation of large decidual cells of the antimesometrial part of rat's decidua are accompanied by a significant change in cytochemical features of cell precursors the synthesis of acid mucopolysaccharides and glycogen stops, while tissue specific antigens and fat (fatty acids) start their syntheses, Con A receptor disappear.