Fig. 4

OCT-4 expressing stem cells expanded in numbers and differentiated into epithelial cells lining the LE. OCT-4 positive stem cells including both VSELs and EnSCs were activated in response to mechanical injury (i). After 72 h of uterine injury, large numbers of EnSCs with cytoplasmic OCT-4 became evident (ii). At places EnSCs were observed to undergo symmetrical cell divisions and clonal expansion (iii, iv). Evidently OCT-4 expressing stem/progenitor cells differentiate into epithelial cells and ensure widespread regeneration within 72 h. Scale: 10 μm (i–iii), 5 μm (iv)