Complex Regulation of Decidualization: A Role for Cytokines and Proteases—A Review

Decidualization of the endometrial stroma is a precondition for successful establishment of pregnancy. While the local molecular mechanisms driving decidualization are still largely unknown, a number of autocrine/paracrine factors have been identified as differentiation factors in this process. Thes...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Placenta (Eastbourne) 2003-04, Vol.24, p.S76-S85
Main Authors: Salamonsen, L.A., Dimitriadis, E., Jones, R.L., Nie, G.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activins - physiology
Animals
Biological and medical sciences
Cytokines - physiology
Decidua - enzymology
Decidua - growth & development
Decidua - immunology
Embryology: invertebrates and vertebrates. Teratology
Endopeptidases - physiology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Humans
In Vitro Techniques
Inhibin-beta Subunits - physiology
Interleukin-11 - physiology
Matrix Metalloproteinases - physiology
Mice
Pregnancy
Suppressor Factors, Immunologic - physiology
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Summary:Decidualization of the endometrial stroma is a precondition for successful establishment of pregnancy. While the local molecular mechanisms driving decidualization are still largely unknown, a number of autocrine/paracrine factors have been identified as differentiation factors in this process. These include the cytokines, interleukin 11, activin A and monoclonal non-specific suppressor factor β (MNSFβ). Furthermore, locally produced proteases, including proprotein convertase 6 and matrix metalloproteinases, enable expansion of the tissue and processing of regulatory molecules. This article reviews recent work from our laboratory on the roles of these factors in decidualization.
ISSN:0143-4004
1532-3102
DOI:10.1053/plac.2002.0928