X-ray microanalysis of uterine epithelial cells in culture

The ionic composition of the uterine fluid, secreted by the endometrium, is of importance for fertilization and embryonic development. Little, however, is known about the ion transport mechanisms in the uterine epithelial cells. Because it is difficult to study ion transport in this tissue in situ, a method was developed to culture mouse uterine epithelial cells for X-ray microanalysis in the electron microscope, in order to allow the study of ion transport. Our data suggest the presence of a number of ion transport mechanisms in the cultured uterine epithelial cells. The cells appear to possess a ouabain-sensitive Na⁺---K⁺-ATPase, an amiloride-sensitive Na⁺---H⁺ antiporter, cAMP- and Ca²⁺-activated chloride channels, and volume-activated chloride efflux and influx mechanisms. In addition, chloride efflux can be stimulated by cholinergic and alpha-adrenergic agonists. Only a few of these mechanisms had been studied previously in the uterine epithelium.