Extracellular Matrix Reorganization During Endometrial Decidualization.

Extracellular matrix reorganization, a concurrent process of endometrial decidualization, has garnered widespread recognition. However, our understanding of this process remains limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression, spatial distribution, and reorganization of fibrillar collagens, elastin, and lysyl oxidases within the decidua. Using second harmonic generation imaging, we successfully recorded fibrillar collagen reorganization between preimplantation and decidualized endometrium. Upon embryo implantation, the fibrillar collagens align themselves parallel to the direction of embryo invasion. Furthermore, we employed confocal imaging analysis to reveal distinct expression and spatial distribution patterns of elastin and lysyl oxidase-like enzymes. Elastin expression begins to manifest surrounding the implanting embryo, extends into the decidua, and exhibits a high concentration in the mesometrial region after gestation day 8. All lysyl oxidase-like enzymes are localized within the decidua, although they exhibit varying expression patterns. To gain further insights, we utilized an