An improved mouse model for endometriosis allows noninvasive assessment of lesion implantation and development  Marylène Fortin, Ph.D., Manon Lépine, M.Sc., Martin Pagé, B.Sc., Kevin Osteen, Ph.D., Bernard Massie, Ph.D., Patrice Hugo, Ph.D., Ann-Muriel Steff, Ph.D.  Fertility and Sterility  Volume 80, Pages 832-838 (September 2003) DOI: 10.1016/S0015-0282(03)00986-5

FIGURE 1 Assessment of GFP-expressing endometriotic-like lesions in dissected animals. Endometrial tissue fragments were transduced with GFP and were injected IP into nude mice. Three weeks later, animals were dissected and examined for endometrial tissue implantation in the peritoneal cavity. Top panels show typical endometriotic-like lesions found either on the liver (A), embedded in adipose tissue (C), or loosely attached to organs in the peritoneal cavity (E). Corresponding epifluorescence images (B, D, and F) are shown in the bottom panels. Fortin. Noninvasive mouse model for endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2003. Fertility and Sterility 2003 80, 832-838DOI: (10.1016/S0015-0282(03)00986-5)

FIGURE 2 Histological aspect of GFP-expressing endometriotic lesions. Lesions were harvested on day 21 after transplantation of GFP-expressing endometrial tissue fragments and immediately frozen in Cryomatrix. Frozen sections (4 μm) were obtained and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Collected tissue demonstrated the typical aspect of endometrium, i.e., the presence of well-delineated glands and stroma (A, B, and C represent lesions from three different animals). A parallel section of lesion shown in C was observed under confocal microscopy for the detection of GFP (D). Bar = 100 μm Fortin. Noninvasive mouse model for endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2003. Fertility and Sterility 2003 80, 832-838DOI: (10.1016/S0015-0282(03)00986-5)

FIGURE 3 Noninvasive and dynamic monitoring of GFP-expressing lesions in living animals. Animals were noninvasively and repeatedly imaged at days 4, 11, and 24 after tissue transplantation. Upper panels show a mouse bearing IP fluorescent lesions, and lower panels show a mouse displaying SC lesions. Fortin. Noninvasive mouse model for endometriosis. Fertil Steril 2003. Fertility and Sterility 2003 80, 832-838DOI: (10.1016/S0015-0282(03)00986-5)