Potential biochemical markers of uterine receptivity

Implantation in humans is a complex process that involves embryo apposition and attachment to the maternal endometrial epithelium, traversing adjacent cells of the epithelial lining, and invasion into the endometrial stroma, These processes involve a variety of molecules which are not unique in them selves, but play unique roles in the process of implantation, The molecular dialogue that occurs between the implanting conceptus and the endometrium involves cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, mediated by lectins, integrins, matrix degrading enzymes and their inhibitors, prostagl andins, and a variety; of growth factors, cytokines, and angiogenic peptide s, their receptors and modulatory proteins, It is likely that each of these , when appropriately expressed or inhibited, contributes to endometrial rec eptivity or non-receptivity to an implanting conceptus. Currently, a workin g definition of a receptive versus a non-receptive endometrium is incomplet e, While histological normality of the endometrium does not necessarily imp ly functional normality, temporal and spatial expression of particular bioc hemical principles in the endometrium are highly suggestive of functional r oles of these principles in implantation and endometrial receptivity, These potential markers of endometrial receptivity are discussed herein, It is e nvisioned that as regulation of these markers is elucidated, their expressi on may be manipulated to improve implantation rates and fertility or to lim it implantation for successful contraception.