Human reproduction is the most dynamic of processes. The events which
lead to the birth of a normal healthy infant have their origin long
before actual fertilization. Indeed, the whole process can be looked
upon as a continuum. Human fertilization and early development, once
sequestered in the protective environment of the fallopian tubes and
uterus, have now been exposed in the laboratory. These events have, over
time, been extensively observed and catalogued in animal models. The
tools of modem morphology and molecular biology have reopened issues
long since considered settled as facets of early reproduction are
reexplored. This volume, consisting of the proceedings of a workshop on
uterine and embryonic factors in early pregnancy, has been designed to
enhance that effort. Attention is focused largely on early embryonal
development with special attention to the interrelationship between the
embryo and the uterus in early pregnancy. Each of the contributing
scientists brings with him or her the perspective of one specific
discipline or another. The common denominator is the application of
emerging techniques in modem molecular biology to problems pertaining to
embryonal-uterine interaction. The goal is to consider specific areas of
concern in a multidisciplinary way and to reexplore the factors behind
early development and implantation. Uterine complement, the function of
uterine macrophages immunoregulatory loops in the peri-implantation
period, colony stimulating factors and interferon-like factors are
reviewed and their interrelationship explored. Uterine angiogenesis
factors as well as embryonic growth factors are also considered.
