ABSTRACT
<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The regulation of endometrial physiology and morphogenesis by the paracrine effectors has been well established using in vivo studies. A more complete understanding of the endometrial function has been delayed due, in part, to a lack of appropriate culture models. In this study, we aimed to simulate the in vivo three-dimensional (3-D) growth pattern of endometrial cells using a 3-D in vitro culture system.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Isolated endometrial epithelial cells, stromal cells and RL95-2 cells were seeded into culture chambers coated with the extracellular matrix Matrigel and observed using light microscopy. Fluorescence staining and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the morphology.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Depending on the culture conditions, epithelial cells and RL95-2 cells formed multicellular structures on Matrigel; stromal cells remained individually distinguishable or grew together to form 3-D lattice-like structures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Matrigel provided a good microenvironment for culturing endometrial cells. The cells cultured in the Matrigel-coated chambers closely resembled those seen in vivo.</p>