Chapter 10 Implantation and Establishment of Pregnancy in Human and Nonhuman Primates

摘要

Abstract Implantation and the establishment of pregnancy are critical for the propagation of the species, but yet remain the limiting steps in human and primate reproduction. Successful implantation requires a competent blastocyst and a receptive endometrium during a specific window of time during the menstrual cycle to initiate the bilateral communication required for the establishment of a successful pregnancy. This ^t>Chapter provides an overview of these processes and discusses the molecular mechanisms associated with implantation of the blastocyst and decidual-ization of the uterus in primates. 10.1 Introduction Reproduction is absolutely essential for the propagation of every species from generation to generation. In most mammalian species, a zygote is formed in vivo following fertilization of an egg by a sperm. After the egg is successfully fertilized in the fallopian tube, it travels through the fallopian tube toward the uterus, during which time the fertilized egg divides and develops into a multicellular structure termed a blastocyst. It then adheres itself to the endometrium, which is the initial step in the process of implantation (Wilcox et al. 1999). Implantation and the establishment of pregnancy are critical for human reproduction. Implantation failure is responsible for significant pregnancy loss in the human (Koot and Macklon 2013; Koot et al. 2012; Norwitz et al. 2001). Understanding the mechanisms associated with the implantation process and other events during early pregnancy will significantly improve the success of assisted reproductive technologies (ART).