Stem cell-like properties of the endometrial side population: implication in endometrial regeneration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The human endometrium undergoes cyclical regeneration throughout a woman's reproductive life. Ectopic implantation of endometrial cells through retrograde menstruation gives rise to endometriotic lesions which affect approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women. The high regenerative capacity of the human endometrium at eutopic and ectopic sites suggests the existence of stem/progenitor cells and a unique angiogenic system. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize putative endometrial stem/progenitor cells and to address how they might be involved in the physiology of endometrium.

Methodology/principal findings

We found that approximately 2% of the total cells obtained from human endometrium displayed a side population (SP) phenotype, as determi

SUBMITTER: Masuda H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2860997 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature