Analysis of Uterine Natural Killer Cells in Mice

摘要: The term uterine natural killer (uNK) cell is applied in mice to an abundant but transient NK population that undergoes unique, terminal differentiation within embryo implantation sites during endometrial decidualization and pregnancy. In mice, induced by attachment of hatched, blastocyst-stage embryos. Within each site, uNK cells proliferate rapidly differentiate into highly restricted regions called decidua basalis the mesometrial lymphoid aggregate pregnancy (MLAp). begin die healthy day 8 19-20 mice. By gestation 12, numbers have peaked most show situ nuclear fragmentation indicative disintegration. Morphological studies (standard histology, ultrastructure, immunohistochemistry, hybridization, RNA analyses from laser capture microdissected cells) provided current understanding regarding this lineage. These approaches identified special angiogenic properties their regulatory relationships with normal physiological changes (endometrial) arterial tree accompany successful This chapter highlights key information needed for dissection dynamically changing enriched morphological procedures used study. Preparation viable mouse suspensions difficult can be achieved. includes techniques isolation leukocyte enrichment permit immediate downstream applications such as culture, high quality RNA, or flow cytometry.