Endometriosis (EMT) Animal Model

Model Description

Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial growth, causing chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Our autologous transplantation model replicates human EMT pathology with:
• Immunocompetent microenvironment: No immune rejection (self-tissue origin)
• Clinical relevance: Mimics retrograde menstruation theory
• High reproducibility: 92% cyst formation rate (vs primate models <65%)

Why Rodent Models?
✓ Cost-effective: 80% lower cost vs primate studies
✓ Controlled estrus cycle: Estradiol synchronization protocol
✓ Ethical compliance: AAALAC-approved surgical guidelines

Applications

• EMT pathogenesis studies (angiogenesis/invasion mechanisms)
• Drug efficacy evaluation (GnRH analogs/NSAIDs testing)
• Biomarker discovery (CA-125/IL-8 pathway analysis)
• Post-surgical adhesion prevention strategies

Modeling Protocol —— Autologous Endometrial Transplantation

Preconditioning:

1. Daily estradiol valerate gavage (0.1mg/kg) for 3 days

2. Vaginal smear cytology to confirm estrus phase

Surgical Procedure:

1. Midline laparotomy under isoflurane anesthesia

2. Ligate uterine horns → resect 10mm segment → mince into 1×1mm fragments 

Implant fragments at:
▶ Muscular wall (serosal surface contact)
▶ Mesenteric fat (vascularized site)

Post-op Care:

1. Buprenorphine analgesia (0.05mg/kg q12h)

2. Monitor cyst formation weekly via ultrasound

Validation & Endpoints

Success Criteria
✓ Visible cystic lesions (>2mm) at 4 weeks
✓ Histological confirmation of gland/stroma structures
✓ Neovascularization (≥3 vessels/HPF)

Data

1. Anatomical observation

Indicators of successful transplantation include a visibly enlarged graft, which may appear as a protruding small bump. In some cases, it may form multilocular cysts filled with yellow serous fluid. The graft is covered by connective tissue and accompanied by blood vessel formation.

2. Histopathological Analysis:

 The endometrium in the sham-operated group has a complete structure, with neatly arranged and continuous epithelial cells. The number of stromal cells, glands, and blood vessels is normal. No hemorrhage or inflammatory cell infiltration is observed around the glands, and the glandular lumen is intact.

 In the model group, the epithelial cells in the ectopic endometrial lesions are arranged in a columnar manner and show hyperplasia. The number of stromal cells and glands is high, and the blood vessels are abundant. Hemorrhage is visible around the glands, accompanied by a large number of inflammatory cell infiltrations.

3. Observing the pinopodes of rat endometrium by scanning electron microscope