Pregnancy recognition signals in mammals: the roles of interferons and estrogens
W., Bazer FullerGuoyao, WuA., Johnson Greg
Reproduction is a highly complex biologicalprocess requiring a dialogue between the developingconceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placentalmembranes) and maternal uterus which must beestablished during the peri-implantation period forpregnancy recognition signaling and regulation of geneexpression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells. Theuterus provide a microenvironment in which moleculessecreted by uterine epithelia or transported into theuterine lumen represent histotroph or the secretomerequired for growth and development of the conceptusand receptivity of the uterus to implantation by theconceptus. Pregnancy recognition signaling as related tosustaining the functional lifespan of the corpora lutea(CL) which produce progesterone; the hormone ofpregnancy essential for uterine functions that supportimplantation and placentation required for successfuloutcomes of pregnancy. It is within the periimplantationperiod that most embryonic deaths occur inmammals due to deficiencies attributed to uterinefunctions or failure of the conceptus to developappropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/orundergo implantation and placentation. The endocrinestatus of the pregnant female and her nutritional status arecritical for successful establishment and maintenance ofpregnancy. The challenge is to understand the complexityof key mechanisms that are characteristic of successfulreproduction and to use that knowledge to enhancefertility and reproductive health of animals includingnonhuman primates. It is important to translateknowledge gained from studies of animals to addressissues of fertility and reproductive health in humans.(AU)
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