Decidualization 1

Decidualization

Micrograph showing decidualization of theendometrium due to exogenous progesterone

(oral contraceptive pill). H&E stain.

Decidualization is a characteristic of the endometrium of the pregnantuterus. It is a response of maternal cells to progesterone.Decidualization may be used to describe any change due toprogesterone. These changes include the eosinophilic proliferationaround arterioles after ovulation[1] or progesterone action onendometrium which increases glandular epithelial secretion, stimulatesglycogen accumulation in stromal cell cytoplasm, and promotesstromal vascularity (spiral arterioles) and edema.[2] The sum of all thechanges in the endometrium is significant, thus justifying a new term.The process is decidualization, the endometrium is now called deciduaand it is ready for the implantation of the embryo.

After ovulation, in mammals, the endometrial lining becomestransformed into a secretory lining in preparation of accepting the embryo. Without implantation, the secretory liningwill be absorbed (estrous cycle) or shed (menstrual cycle).With implantation the lining now termed decidua evolves further during the pregnancy. The decidua is shed duringthe third phase of the parturition process.

References[1] Lange Q&A, obstetrics and gynecology 8th edition, question 11 chapter 2, histology and pathology[2] Lange Q&A, obstetrics and gynecology 8th edition, question 50 chapter 5, physiology of reproduction

http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Micrographhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Endometriumhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Exogenoushttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Progesteronehttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oral_contraceptive_pillhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=H%26E_stainhttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File%3AEndometrium_ocp_use3.jpghttp://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Decidua

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Article Sources and ContributorsDecidualization Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=544592307 Contributors: Almojtahed, Bobjgalindo, Brim, Eleassar, Garion96, Je at uwo, Jeodesic, Kbusdriver, MikaelHggstrm, Nephron, Qetuth, Rich Farmbrough, WhatamIdoing, Yehudamalul, 9 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsImage:Endometrium ocp use3.jpg Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Endometrium_ocp_use3.jpg License: Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 3.0 Contributors:Nephron

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DecidualizationReferencesLicense