Endocrine Abstracts

Successful embryo implantation requires changes in endometrial gene expression of biomarkers which contribute to uterine receptivity to facilitate blastocyst attachment. Osteopontin (OPN), expressed at the maternal–foetal interface may facilitate implantation in processes, such as cell adhesion, migration and angiogenesis which require OPN signalling via CD44 and integrin receptors. As coordinate expression of OPN and receptors is shown to be cycle-dependent and up-regula...

At implantation, the ability of an embryo to successfully attach to the luminal epithelium is dependent on the receptive phenotype the endometrium must acquire. This spatially and temporally restricted period of uterine receptivity is defined by endometrial molecular adaptations, highly regulated by embryonic-derived signals and ovarian steroids. Critical to this isthe expression of adhesivemoleculesintegrins and osteopontin (OPN) at the foetal-maternal interface which facilit...

Polycystic ovary syndrome is the commonest cause of anovulation. The mechanism of the aberrant follicle development that is associated with anovulation remains unclear. However, data from human studies and from animal models of PCOS suggest that excess androgen production, the biochemical hallmark of PCOS, has a role in disordered follicle development. The aim of this study was to examine the direct effect of androgens on isolated mouse preantral follicles in culture. Multilay...