Ebook: Implantation: Biological and Clinical Aspects

The advent of assisted conception procedures such as in-vitro fertili­ sation (IVF) has provided the impetus for exploration of the factors that lead to the establishment of pregnancy. This collection of papers from leading research workers brings together current concepts of the processes which may be of importance in implantation. The complex signals from the embryo to the ovary, endometrium and myometrium are now being revealed through studies in both primates and other mammalian species. This book addresses the interrelationship of pituitary and ovarian hormones in controlling ovulation and the preparation of the intrauterine environment for implantation. Once fertilisation has occurred and trophoblast has formed, the next vital step is the production of materials which signal the presence of the pregnancy to the rest of the body. Trophoblastic proteins and other early-pregnancy factors are prime candidates for this role. Recent studies have emphasised the importance of the intrauterine environment in implantation. Specific secretory products of the endometrium have great potential in this process. The prostaglandins also play an essential part. Immunological adjustments are now considered a condition for the successful establishment of pregnancy. The possible use of immuno­ therapy in the treatment of recurrent abortion has highlighted interest in this area. The use of immunological techniques for contraception are in their infancy but offer much hope for the future.

---

---

Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Front Matter....Pages 1-1
Embryo Implantation in Primates....Pages 3-13
Front Matter....Pages 15-15
Pituitary and Ovarian Hormones in Implantation and Early Pregnancy....Pages 17-29
Front Matter....Pages 31-31
Recognition of Early Pregnancy: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin....Pages 33-39
Recognition of Early Pregnancy: Human Placental Lactogen and Schwangerschaftsprotein 1....Pages 41-43
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A: Fact, Fiction and Future....Pages 45-81
Embryo-Derived Platelet Activating Factor....Pages 83-91
Front Matter....Pages 93-93
Synthesis and Secretion of Proteins by the Endometrium and Decidua....Pages 95-118
Characterisation, Biological Action and Clinical Studies of Endometrial Proteins....Pages 119-134
Biological Activity of Placental Protein 14....Pages 135-144
Front Matter....Pages 145-145
Prostaglandins and the Establishment of Pregnancy....Pages 147-160
Front Matter....Pages 161-161
Current Concepts of Immunoregulation of Implantation....Pages 163-175
The Complement System in Normal Pregnancy....Pages 177-182
Spontaneous and Recurrent Abortion: Epidemiological and Immunological Considerations....Pages 183-195
Contraception: An Immunological Approach....Pages 197-203
Front Matter....Pages 205-205
Early Pregnancy and its Failure after Assisted Conception: Diagnosis by Ultrasonic and Biochemical Techniques....Pages 207-215
Investigation and Control of Embryo Implantation in an In-Vitro Fertilisation Programme....Pages 217-228
Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnostic Aspects....Pages 229-238
Treatments to Enhance Implantation....Pages 239-254
Back Matter....Pages 255-258

---

Content:
Front Matter....Pages i-xii
Front Matter....Pages 1-1
Embryo Implantation in Primates....Pages 3-13
Front Matter....Pages 15-15
Pituitary and Ovarian Hormones in Implantation and Early Pregnancy....Pages 17-29
Front Matter....Pages 31-31
Recognition of Early Pregnancy: Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin....Pages 33-39
Recognition of Early Pregnancy: Human Placental Lactogen and Schwangerschaftsprotein 1....Pages 41-43
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A: Fact, Fiction and Future....Pages 45-81
Embryo-Derived Platelet Activating Factor....Pages 83-91
Front Matter....Pages 93-93
Synthesis and Secretion of Proteins by the Endometrium and Decidua....Pages 95-118
Characterisation, Biological Action and Clinical Studies of Endometrial Proteins....Pages 119-134
Biological Activity of Placental Protein 14....Pages 135-144
Front Matter....Pages 145-145
Prostaglandins and the Establishment of Pregnancy....Pages 147-160
Front Matter....Pages 161-161
Current Concepts of Immunoregulation of Implantation....Pages 163-175
The Complement System in Normal Pregnancy....Pages 177-182
Spontaneous and Recurrent Abortion: Epidemiological and Immunological Considerations....Pages 183-195
Contraception: An Immunological Approach....Pages 197-203
Front Matter....Pages 205-205
Early Pregnancy and its Failure after Assisted Conception: Diagnosis by Ultrasonic and Biochemical Techniques....Pages 207-215
Investigation and Control of Embryo Implantation in an In-Vitro Fertilisation Programme....Pages 217-228
Ectopic Pregnancy: Diagnostic Aspects....Pages 229-238
Treatments to Enhance Implantation....Pages 239-254
Back Matter....Pages 255-258
....