Fig. 2

Endometrial stromal cells. a Intact cell at the time of sampling. The cell membrane is intact but intercellular contact is scarce. Occasional granula of unknown origin, but no lysosomes or lipid deposits can be seen. b Stromal cells after 12 h in culture. First signs of degenerative processes can be observed. Nuclear invaginations and chromatin densification at the borders (arrows) have increased, and the matrix is partially dissolved. Lysosomes (Ly) and lipid deposits (Lk) are visible. c Stromal cells after 48 h in culture. Vacuoles (V) and glycogen deposits have increased. Nucleoli (Nl) are prominent and structured. d Stromal cells after 96 h in culture. Large glycogen deposits are signs of decidualisation in the surviving cells, while the majority of cells is necrotic or apoptotic (Z). e Stromal cells after 7 days in culture. Large scale degeneration through apoptotic and necrotic processes. The cytoplasm (C) has dissolved, and apoptotic bodies are separating from the cells. The cells at the bottom right (E) are epithelial cells with glycogen inclusions. Magnification, ×3,550