Fig. 5: Localization of BrdU-labeled stromal cells in the mouse menstrual-like model.

a Localization of LRSC in uterine tissues at different time points in the mouse menstrual-like model. Inserts are enlarged images of the BrdU-labeled cells. Red arrows show the distribution of LRSC. b Changes in proportion of LRSC during endometrial repair. BrdU-labeled stromal cells are expressed as a percentage of total stromal cells. c Representative immunofluorescence images showing LRSC expressing the proliferating marker Ki67 (yellow arrow) at decidualization, breakdown, early and late repair. No Ki67 (red arrow) was observed in LRSC before decidualization. Inserts are enlarged images of LRSC co-expressing Ki67, scale bar: 20 µm. d The percentage of proliferating LRSC at different time points in the mouse menstrual-like model. e LRSC remained in the dense stromal compartment during decidualization. Yellow arrows indicate absence of Ki67 on LRSC, scale bar: 20 µm. Results are presented as mean ± SD; *P < 0.05; **P < 0.01; ***P < 0.001. n = 3–5 per group. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-tailed unpaired Student’s t test for two group comparison and One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s test for multiple group comparison. Abbreviation: BrdU bromodeoxyuridine, BD breakdown, Dec decidua, GE glandular epithelium, LE luminal epithelium, LRSC label retaining stromal cells, Myo myometrium, Str stroma.