Nerve fiber density in deep nodular endometriotic lesions induced in a baboon experimental model

Invasion process of induced deep nodular endometriosis in an experimental baboon model: similarities with collective cell migration?

“…As previously reported by our team, deep nodular endometriotic lesions induced in an experimental baboon model were able to invade surrounding organs, similarly to observations in humans (5,6). Moreover, sigmoid wall invasion was morphologically suggestive of collective invasion, with a native nodular tumor and secondary group of cells able to invade surrounding organs and even colonize the sigmoid mucosa (5, 6).…”

“…Another limitation of our study is the mode of induction, which does not provide any information on the onset of the disease in human. However, as previously mentioned (5,6), this model shows high potential for investigation of invasion phenomena associated with nodular lesions. In a previously described observational study (20,21), the presence of endometriotic (adenomyotic) tumors was demonstrated in eight women.…”

“…The experimental baboon model was previously described in our recent publications (5,6). Ten female baboons (Papio anubis) were studied at the Institute of Primate Research (IPR), Nairobi, Kenya.…”

“…Between 20 and 24 weeks after grafting, laparotomy was performed to recover induced lesions. One of the animals was excluded owing to protocol violation (5,6).…”

“…It is now widely recognized that the three different forms of endometriosis affecting the pelvis, namely peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, and deep endometriotic nodules, are separate entities (3,4), although they may coexist. The first experimental model of deep nodular endometriosis, mimicking deep lesions found in humans, was recently developed, allowing us to investigate local invasion phenomena associated with these lesions (5,6). In this model, morphologic similarities can be found with the invasion behavior of deep nodular endometriosis, which is known to invade the anterior rectal muscularis.…”