A method for in vitro cell culture of superficial bovine uterine endometrial epithelium

Summary Bovine epithelial cells were obtained for culture from the uterine endometrium of adult, cyclic cattle. Using the procedures described herein, cell-specific monolayers of uterine epithelial cells developed rapidly in culture and maintained a good level of viability for seven to eight subcultures. In addition, frozen-thawed uterine epithelial cells also maintained a respectable level of viability during postthaw subculture. Patterns of cell growth for uterine epithelial cells were determined by a growth curve. A growth curve of fresh epithelial cells over an 8-day interval revealed a short lag phase (24 h) followed by a log growth phase for 5 days and then a stationary phase starting on Days 6 or 7 of incubation. This method for isolation and culture of uterine epithelial cells provides a potential model for evaluating uterine epithelial cell secretory capacity during the estrous cycle. This culture system may offer benefits for in vitro culture of bovine embryos.