Bazer Fuller W, Spencer Thomas E, Johnson Greg A, Burghardt Robert C
Department of Animal Science, Texas A and M, University CollegeStation, TX 77843-2471, USA.
Front Biosci (Schol Ed). 2011 Jan 1;3(2):745-67. doi: 10.2741/s184.
Reproduction in mammals is a highly complex biological process. The critical importance of reproduction to propagation of species required the natural evolution of various strategies that vary considerably across species. Regardless of species, a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus must be established during the peri-implantation period. The uterus must provide a microenvironment that supports growth and development of the conceptus and is receptive to implantation. During the same period, the conceptus must provide its pregnancy recognition signaling to sustain the functional life of corpora lutea for production of progesterone which is essential for implantation and placentation; critical events for successful pregnancy. However, it is within the peri-implantation period that most embryonic deaths occur due to deficiencies attributed to uterine functions or to the failure of the conceptus to develop appropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/or undergo implantation and placentation. The challenge is to understand the complexity of key mechanisms that are characteristic of successful reproduction in humans and animals and to use that knowledge to enhance fertility and reproductive health or to establish acceptable methods for control of fertility.
哺乳动物的生殖是一个高度复杂的生物学过程。生殖对于物种繁衍至关重要，这就要求自然演化出各种策略，而这些策略在不同物种间差异很大。无论物种如何，在着床前期，发育中的孕体（胚胎-胎儿及相关胎盘膜）与母体子宫之间必须建立对话。子宫必须提供一个支持孕体生长发育并能接受着床的微环境。在同一时期，孕体必须发出其妊娠识别信号，以维持黄体的功能寿命，从而产生对着床和胎盘形成至关重要的孕酮；这些都是成功妊娠的关键事件。然而，正是在着床前期，由于子宫功能缺陷或孕体发育不当、未能发出妊娠识别信号和/或未能着床及形成胎盘，大多数胚胎死亡发生。挑战在于了解人类和动物成功生殖所特有的关键机制的复杂性，并利用这些知识提高生育力和生殖健康水平，或建立可接受的生育控制方法。
