Endometrial glands

Estrogens stimulate cellular proliferation, induce RNA and protein synthesis of uterine endometrium and the fibrous connective tissue framework for ovaries, and increase the size of the cells. This effect leads to the growth and regeneration of the endometrial layer and spinal arterioles, and increase in the number and size of endometrial glands. Under the influence of estrogen, vaginal mucosa becomes thicker, as cervical mucus becomes thinner (85,86). 

When the embryo arrives in the uterine cavity, the trophectoderm infiltrates the uterine epithelium by a poorly characterized mechanism. Several maternal and embryonic factors are crucial to implantation. These factors include colony stimulating factor, leukaemia inhibitory factor, interleukin- and several proteolytic enzymes. Before the placenta develops, the implanted embryo is nourished by histotrophic material from degradation of endometrial cells during implantation. The embryo is also nourished by secretions from endometrial glands and by the yolk sac the latter persists for different time periods and plays different roles in different species. 

Fig. 5.5. Histopathol-ogy of adenomyosis of the uterus. Dislocated endometrial glands are surrounded by hypertrophied myometrium. (Reproduced with permission from [222])...

Continued secretion of LH. Persistence of corpus luteum. Secretion of progesterone. Enlargement and secretory activity of endometrial glands. 

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