[Growth and morphologic characteristics of normal human endometrial cells in primary culture]

Monolayer cultures of endometrium were established from 59 normal women after hysterectomy. The technical procedure is described, allowing cells in monolayer to grow satisfactorily for more than 60 days, showing a doubling-time of about 4-5 days. During early passages, two cell populations are characterized by microscopic examination : confluent areas of epithelial polygonal cells and scattered fusiform fibroblastic cells. After the 8th passage, epithelial cells are no longer recognized : the monolayer is homogeneous and all cells are fibroblast-like. These cells are an interesting model system for steroid sex hormone studies.