Characteristics of the uterine luminal surface epithelium at preovulatory and preimplantation stages in the marmoset monkey

Abstract

Light and electron microscopy was used to examine the apical luminal epithelial surface of the uterus at preovulatory and preimplantation stages in the marmoset monkey. Luminal surface charge, detected by cationic ferritin staining, progressively decreased from preovulation to day 11 of pregnancy. The smooth, regular apical plasma membrane at preovulatory stages was in contrast to the convoluted, irregular surface observed during early pregnancy, especially at 1 day before blastocyst implantation. Profiles of microvilli were also altered, becoming thicker and more irregular during early pregnancy. Within the epithelial cell body, cyclic morphologic changes were seen, largely in association w..