ABSTRACT
The endometrial epithelium (EE) is a monolayer of cuboidal cells that covers the interior of the uterus. As a reproductive tract mucosal barrier, EE must provide continuous protection against pathogens that gain access to the uterine cavity, while also allowing embryonic implantation, a unique event crucial for the continuation of the species in mammals. Initial adhesion of the trophectoderm of the embryo to the EE plasma membrane is the prerequisite for implantation and placental development. EE is a specialized hormonally-regulated cell population that must undergo cyclical morphological and biochemical changes to mantain an environment suitable for preimplantation embryonic development. Acting as a modulator, it translates and controls the impact of the embryo on the stromal and vascular compartment, and converts hormonal into embryonic signals.
