TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA IN THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE-TRACT

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), originally identified as an inflamm ation-associated cytokine, is synthesized throughout the female reprod uctive tract as well as in placentas and embryos, Development, female sex steroid hormones, and lipopolysaccharide influence expression of t his gene, The functions of TNF may be determined in part by differenti al expression of the two species of TNF receptors, both of which seem to be regulated by female sex steroid hormones. Evidence has accumulat ed that supports a role for this potent, pleiotropic cytokine in autoc rine and paracrine processes central to reproduction, including gamete and follicle development, steroidogenesis, uterine cyclicity, placent al differentiation, development of the embryo, and parturition.