In Vivo Models for Studying Homing and Function of Murine Uterine Natural Killer Cells

Decidualization of the mouse and human uterus is accompanied by the influx of large numbers of natural killer lymphocytes (uterine natural killer [uNK] cells). Adoptive cell transfer to mated, alymphoid mice is a general model suitable for analysis of homing, differentiation and function of the uNK cell lineage. Simultaneous transfer of two cell populations, tagged with different fluorescent tracker dyes, permits in vivo analysis of key mechanisms regulating lymphocyte homing and is described. uNK cells are central to initiation of spiral arterial modification (i.e., structural changes that increase capacity of the blood supply channels leading to the placenta). Quantitative histological techniques for identification, localization, and enumeration of uNK cells, as well as for assessment of spiral artery modification and microdomain size within mouse implantation sites are also included.