SURFACE-MORPHOLOGY OF HAMSTER (MESOCRICETUS-AURATUS) DECIDUAL CELLS IN-VITRO

Cell surface morphology of hamster decidual cells isolated from day 8 implantation swellings was studied, using both phase-contrast and scan ning electron microscopy, Two kinds of cells, fibroblastic and epithel ioid, were identified in cultures examined by phase-contrast microscop y. Fibroblastic cells were spindle-shaped, having pointed or blunt ter minals on one end and bifid or webbed projections at the other end. Ep ithelioid cells, on the other hand, were flat and discoid, having a di stinctively ruffled plasma membrane. Further, the plasma membrane of e pithelioid cells formed rope-like or flange-like processes. The signif icance of such adaptations is discussed, (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.