THE ROLE OF CYTOKINES IN GESTATION

Lymphohemopoietic cytokines are now recognized to be central participa nts in the cellular communication events underlying the complex and dy namic remodeling processes required to accommodate the semiallogeneic conceptus during mammalian reproduction. Cytokines are identified to b e particular importance in mediating communications between the concep tus and maternal cells, particularly the uterine epithelium and infilt rating leukocytes, both prior to implantation and as the placenta deve lops. In this review we summarize recent experimental data concerning the synthesis of various cytokines in uterine and conceptus-derived ti ssues and highlight current hypotheses for their roles in establishing and maintaining successful pregnancy. It is concluded that complex an d finely balanced cytokine networks underpin precise regulatory mechan isms controlling the rate and degree of conceptus development and inva sion into maternal tissues.