Decidualization Attenuates the Contractility of Eutopic and Ectopic Endometrial Stromal Cells: Implications for Hormone Therapy of Endometriosis

Abstract

It is suggested that the attenuation of eutopic endometrial stromal cell-mediated contractility by decidualization is a novel and integral mechanism of the physiological endometrial tissue remodeling process during menstrual cycles. Although ectopic endometrial stromal cells have enhanced contractile profile, decidualization can attenuate the contractility of these cells. These findings may be one of the action mechanisms by which oral contraceptives and progestins ameliorate endometriosis.