Hormonal and cytokine regulation of early implantation

Trends Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Jul;17(5):178-85. doi: 10.1016/j.tem.2006.05.001. Epub 2006 May 15.

Abstract

Implantation of the blastocyst into the endometrium is a delicately controlled process and a prerequisite for the furtherance of the mammalian species. A complex network of molecules is involved in preparing both the endometrium and blastocyst for a successful interaction. However, the exact molecular steps are poorly understood. Studies so far have shown that disruption of certain pathways results in fertility defects. Impaired implantation is currently considered to be the most important limiting factor for the establishment of viable pregnancies in assisted reproduction. It is expected that elucidating the molecular background of the process will enable accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of infertility.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Chorionic Gonadotropin / physiology
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / physiology
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Cytokines / physiology*
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones / physiology
  • Hormones / metabolism
  • Hormones / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-11 / physiology
  • Lymphokines / physiology
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / physiology
  • Models, Biological
  • Ovary / physiology
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / physiology

Substances

  • Chorionic Gonadotropin
  • Cytokines
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones
  • Hormones
  • Interleukin-11
  • Lymphokines
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • leukocyte inhibitory factor
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor
  • Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone