Ultrastructure of endometrial epithelial cells in a three-dimensional cell culture system for human implantation studies.

PURPOSE

A three-dimensional cell culture system imitating normal uterine endometrium has previously been established. To what degree do cultured epithelial cells retain their morphological characteristics as compared to in vivo material obtained simultaneously from the same tissue donor.

RESULTS

We found a high degree of similarity between the in vivo and in vitro situations. The present culture system furthermore imitates the day-to-day morphology of the cycle.

CONCLUSIONS

This indicates, that a correct timing of the biopsy tissue is important for future human implantation studies.