Cellular Biology Of The Uterus

Almost a quarter of a century has elapsed since Cellular Biology of the Uterus, the predecessor of the present volume, was planned. During that period, especially in the decade since the publication of the last edition of Biology of the Uterus, new information in the field has been so voluminous as to require major revisions of most of the chapters, the addition of several new chapters, and the collaboration of a second editor to facilitate the selection of appropriate experts as authors. As in prior editions, a balance has been struck between classical biology and modem biochemistry and biophysics. The inclusion of basic histological and embryo logical information provides a necessary, though often lacking, background for the protein chemist and molecular biologist and a bridge between the cell biologist and clinician. Thus, major practical problems in human reproduction, such as the genesis of endometrial carcinoma and the cause of the initiation of labor, may be approached on a firm scientific footing. The current edition deals primarily with the biology of the uterus itself (comparative and human) rather than placentation or pregnancy and thus is a synthesis of data derived from many techniques, both conventional and modem. As it is clearly beyond the competence of anyone scientist to prepare such a text on the basis of personal knowledge and experience, the aid of 22 distinguished scientists was enlisted.

The papers in this volume were presented at the Symposium on Cell Biology of the Uterus held December 12, 1986, on the NIH campus, Bethesda, MD. This was the first of a series of meetings that will be held in con junction with the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology. The uterus is now recognized as an extremely complex organ whose nor mal function is orchestrated by a delicate procession of cellular and molecular events that investigators are beginning to unravel for the first time. Powerful new analytical methods and the tools of molecular biology are now providing exciting breakthroughs in our basic understanding of uterine structure and function. Thus, the program of this meeting was or ganized to cover recent developments in uterine cell biology including the mechanism of hormone action, control of gene expression by nuclear acceptor sites and nuclear receptors, role of growth factors, endometrial cell kine tics during the menstrual cycle, regulation of specific protein synthesis and secretion, decidual cell function, and the role of early pregnancy pro teins. The material presented in this volume is concerned not only with how hormones and growth factors prepare the endometrium for implantation of the blastocyst, but it also details the recent characterization and identification of specific marker proteins secreted in response to hormone action and early pregnancy.

New techniques in cellular and molecular biology have increased our understanding of the mechanisms controlling reproductive function in the female. Emphasizing these new techniques, Molecular Biology of the Female Reproductive System provides a state-of-the-art review of local regulatory mechanisms that control reproductive processes. Stressing the interface of endocrinology, immunology, and cell biology, this book concentrates on the autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine systems that regulate both the functions of the ovary and uterus and the interaction between the early embryo and the mother. Covers the mechanisms controlling reproductive function in the female Offers a cellular and molecular approach to the control of reproductive function Focuses on the ovary and uterus, and includes a discussion of the early embryo, including Hormonal control of folliculogenesis and luteal function Cell-cell interactions in the follicle Role of cytokines in regulating steroid and protein hormone production Endocrine receptors and mechanisms in ovulation Cell biology of the oviduct and uterus Migratory cells Paracrine regulation Hormones of the trophectoderm and early placenta Interaction between trophectoderm and endometrium Provides extensive references

Interest in mechanisms of embryo implantation is increasing, particularly with the realization that failure of implantation after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer places significant limits on the success of treatment. In addition, there is a need to provide hypotheses, and ultimately mechanisms, for the high rates of embryonic loss in women in the population at large. Traditionally, implantation research has concentrated on genetics and endocrinology without providing many therapeutic benefits. A new era is now beginning with the application of modem cellular and molecular approaches to the investigation of the relationship between trophoblast and endometrium. At the same time, older data can be reevaluated in the light of current research into cell cell and cell-matrix interactions. The feeling that new avenues of research are open was apparent when an international group of scientists came together at a workshop on "The Cell Biology of Trophoblast Invasion In Vivo and In Vitro" held during the XXIV Annual Meeting of the Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Study Group (C.T.O.C.) at Heidelberg in 1986. What was unusual about this Conference was the interdisciplinary dialogue between implantation researchers and tumor biologists, highlighting aspects common to invasion of trophoblast and tumor cells.

This book explains and reviews some of the significant events involved in human implantation and the establishment of the placenta in the uterus. This critical phase in human reproduction has proved to be an elusive and challenging area of research, not least because of the immunological and genetic interactions between the mother and fetus. The volume focuses on the most recent advances in our understanding of the basic mechanisms involved, with a particular emphasis on cell biology and immunology. This lucid volume will benefit all those studying and undertaking research in reproductive biology and immunology, perinatal pathology, fetal medicine and obstetrics.