An in vivo model of endometriosis

The nude mouse model of endometriosis was used to study the longitudinal integration of human endometrium at an ectopic site. Histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical techniques were used to investigate nude mouse lesion development. Seven days after endometrial implantation, central necrosis and glandular degeneration were invariably seen in nude mouse lesions. By day 14, tissue remodelling had occurred and a novel vasculature was apparent. Affymetrix microarray GeneChips were used to ascertain the peritoneal transcriptome of nude mouse lesions. mRNA sequences not previously associated with endometriotic lesion development were detected, including some linked to osteoblast activity. techniques to verify the murine origin of these transcripts were developed. A selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor and anti-angiogenic agents were tested in the nude mouse model of endometriosis. COX-2 can modulate inflammation, angiogenesis and cellular proliferation, which were observed in developing nude mouse lesions. However, the quantity and volume of lesions remained unaltered in mice treated with a COX-2 inhibitor. In contrast, when agents that inhibited vascular endothelial growth factor were administered ... (continues)