Tissue engineered endometrial barrier exposed to peristaltic flow shear stresses.

Cyclic myometrial contractions of the non-pregnant uterus induce intra-uterine peristaltic flows, which have important roles in transport of sperm and embryos during early stages of reproduction. Hyperperistalsis in young females may lead to migration of endometrial cells and development of adenomyosis or endometriosis. We conducted an study of the biological response of a tissue engineered endometrial barrier exposed to peristaltic wall shear stresses (PWSSs).

Tissue-engineered multi-cellular models of the uterine wall.

The human uterus is composed of three layers: endometrium, myometrium and perimetrium. It remodels during the monthly menstrual cycle and more significantly during the complex stages of reproduction. In vivo studies of the human uterine wall are yet incomplete due to ethical and technical limitations.