Histological Changes in Monodelphis domestica Uteri During Pregnancy

Pregnancy is possible because biochemical adjustments prevent immunological rejection of the embryo, which the maternal body recognizes as an alien tissue. A protein called early pregnancy factor (EPF) suppresses the maternal immune system just enough to prevent expulsion of the embryo without harming the mother. Additionally, progesterone modifies the reproductive system to become a more suitable environment for fetal development. I examine prepared and stained slices of uteri from pregnant and non-pregnant opossums (Monodelphis domestica) to determine if the known changes in progesterone and EPF levels in these animals correspond to microanatomical changes in uterine tissues and cells