Induction of endometriosis in nude mice by transplantation of human peritoneal endometriotic tissue

Abstract

PurposeEctopic endometrial tissue is biochemically and functionally distinct from eutopic endometrium, including differences in receptivity to steroids and invasive potential. For this reason, using ectopic endometrial tissue to induce endometriosis in animal models may be of interest to understand better the pathogenesis of this disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of human pelvic endometriotic lesions (specifically red lesions) to implant into the peritoneal cavity of nude mice.MethodsHuman peritoneal endometriotic tissue (red lesions) was injected into the pelvic cavity of nude mice. The mice were euthanized after 5 or 14 days, lesions were recovered, and histological analysis was performed. Proliferative activity and neoangiogenesis of lesions were assessed after Ki67 and CD34 immunohistological staining, respectively.ResultsAfter 5 and 14 days, endometriotic tissue was found to have implanted onto intact mesothelium and reorganized into structured glands and stroma, forming en...