Intercellular spaces and cell junctions in endometrial glands: their possible role in menstruation

Abstract

Intercellular spaces and cell junctions in human endometrial glands were studied by elctron microscopy following different methods of fixation. The size of the spaces, known to alter during the cycle, was found to depend also on the method of fixation. Various intrusive cells and different types of cell debris were seen in these spaces. The three most widely recognized cell junctions (desmosomes, tight junctions and gap junctions), were all most abundant near the cell apices. The possible significance of these findings in elucidating the cellular mechanism of menstruation is discussed.