Uterine gland formation in mice is a continuous process, requiring the ovary after puberty, but not after parturition.

ABSTRACT: Uterine gland formation occurs postnatally in an ovary- and steroid-independent manner in many species, including humans. Uterine glands secrete substances that are essential for embryo survival. Disruption of gland development during the postnatal period prevents gland formation, resulting in infertility. Interestingly, stabilization of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) in the uterine stroma causes a delay in gland formation rather than a complete absence of uterine glands. Thus, to determine if a critical postnatal window for gland development exists in mice, we tested the effects of extending the endocrine environment of pregnancy on uterine gland formation by treating neonatal mice with estradiol, progesterone, or oil for 5 days. One uterine horn was removed before puberty, and the other was colle

SUBMITTER: Stewart CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3197914 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature