Decidualization

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

Micrograph showing decidualization of the

endometrium due to exogenous progesterone
(oral contraceptive pill). H&E stain.

After ovulation, in mammals, the endometrial lining becomes

transformed into a secretory lining in preparation of accepting the embryo. Without implantation, the secretory lining
will be absorbed (estrous cycle) or shed (menstrual cycle).
With implantation the lining now termed decidua evolves further during the pregnancy. The decidua is shed during
the 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

Article Sources and Contributors

Article Sources and Contributors

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

Image Sources, Licenses and Contributors

Image: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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