|
|
The Maternal-Fetal Dialogue
APS Endocinology & Metabolism Section
Michael Soares
J.C. Cross, J.W. Pollard, C.R. Medleson and M. J. Soares
Successful pregnancy is dependent upon the
establishment of a dialogue between the mother and the fetus. Central to
the development of this bi-directional communication is the differentiation
of specialized maternal and extraembryonic tissues. In species with
hemochorial placentation these structures include the deciduum and the
placenta. Both tissues produce cytokines and hormones enabling the
embryo/fetus to prosper in the maternal reproductive tract. The proposed
symposium will include discussions on: 1) the organization of the
maternal-fetal interface; 2) the nature of signaling molecules regulating
pregnancy; 3) cytokine coordinated uteroplacental responses to infection,
and 4) placental endocrine responses to hypoxia. The symposium addresses in
vitro and in vivo systems and both rodent and primate experimental models.
Genetic, immunologic, and endocrine perspectives will be presented. The
presentations will provide insights into the etiology of early pregnancy
loss, intrauterine growth restriction, and various disorders of pregnancy;
and directions for future research.
|
|
