Endometriosis in Experimental Models

Abstract

To investigate the factors involved in the initiation and progression of endometriosis, an animal model of this disease has been employed. Animal models are often used to investigate factors affecting the initiation and progression of endometriosis. This chapter describes these models and focuses on the murine model of endometriosis as a potential tool to evaluate therapies. The traditional explanation for the existence of endometrium in ectopic locations is based on the common occurrence of retrograde menstruation. This implantation hypothesis is widely accepted as the etiology of endometriosis. Animal models are crucial for elucidating the mechanisms underlying endometriosis. Several animal models of endometriosis have been used in the past, most of which consist of transplanting endometrium into the peritoneal cavity. Because primates spontaneously develop endometriosis, primate models most closely resemble the disease in women; however, rodent models are more cost effective and readily available. Nevertheless, since rodents do not menstruate, rodent models used for the research in endometriosis have certain limitations. We addressed the question whether a murine endometriosis model is suitable for evaluating drugs employed in human endometriosis. We concluded that the murine endometriosis model may be a valuable and reliable tool for evaluating new therapeutic approaches in human endometriosis.