CYTOKINES AND EMBRYO IMPLANTATION

The implantation process is currently considered the most relevant lim iting factor for successful pregnancy. It is evident that molecular in teractions at the embryo-maternal interface at the time of implantatio n are crucial in order to understand the mechanisms of embryonic impla ntation. The principal aim of this study is to demonstrate the existen ce of specific communication pathways between the human embryo and end ometrium. The molecular interactions appears to be initiated by the en dometrium in the presence of an implanting blastocyst and is mediated through embryonic cytokines (specifically the IL-1 system) and the tar get is the endometrial epithelial beta(3) integrin subunit. If the rol e of beta(3) is accepted as a marker of uterine receptivity these resu lts may indicate that the normal hormonally regulated human endometriu m could be the trigger for molecular events preparing the blastocyst t o communicate effectively and regulate endometrial adhesion molecules in order to implant. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.