X-RAY-MICROANALYSIS OF UTERINE EPITHELIAL-CELLS IN CULTURE

The ionic composition of the uterine fluid, secreted by the endometriu m, is of importance for fertilization and embryonic development. Littl e, however, is known about the ion transport mechanisms in the uterine epithelial cells. Because it is difficult to study ion transport in t his tissue in situ, a method was developed to culture mouse uterine ep ithelial cells for X-ray microanalysis in the electron microscope, in order to allow the study of ion transport. Our data suggest the presen ce of a number of ion transport mechanisms in the cultured uterine epi thelial cells. The cells appear to possess a ouabain-sensitive Na+-K+- ATPase, an amiloride-sensitive Na+-H+ antiporter, cAMP- and Ca2+-activ ated chloride channels, and volume-activated chloride efflux and influ x mechanisms. In addition, chloride efflux can be stimulated by cholin ergic and alpha-adrenergic agonists. Only a few of these mechanisms ha d been studied previously in the uterine epithelium. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.