This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (4) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Lea, R. G Articles by Sandra, O. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Lea, R. G Articles by Sandra, O.

Immunoendocrine aspects of endometrial function and implantation

School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK and ¹ INRA, INRA-UMR ‘Biologie du Développement et de la Reproduction’, Domaine de Vilvert, Bâtiment 231, 78352 Jouy-en-Josas Cedex, France

Correspondence should be addressed to R G Lea; Email: richard.lea{at}nottingham.ac.uk

Effective ovarian and uterine function relies on a complex interplay between the endocrine and immune systems. It is generally accepted that in reproductive tissues, oestradiol and progesterone have pro- and anti-inflammatory activities respectively and, in this regard, the paracrine effects of the sex steroids on the ovary are similar to the endocrine effects on the uterus. Ovarian leukocyte recruitment and cytokine release are central to follicle development, ovulation and corpus luteum function. At the uterine level, the cyclical changes in sex steroids regulate the number and distribution of endometrial and decidual immune cells as well as other immune signalling and surveillance factors. The uterine mucosa is unique, in that it must tolerate sperm and the allogeneic blastocyst in a way that does not compromise uterine immune surveillance against bacteria, yeast and viruses. Crosstalk between the sex steroids and immune mediators (systemic and local) are central to these functions, and this article will review these mechanisms and their importance for successful reproductive function and pregnancy success.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				V. Bombail, S. MacPherson, H. O.D. Critchley, and P. T.K. Saunders Estrogen receptor related beta is expressed in human endometrium throughout the normal menstrual cycle Hum. Reprod., September 4, 2008; (2008) den298v1. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				C.A. Gifford, A.M. Assiri, M.C. Satterfield, T.E. Spencer, and T.L. Ott Receptor Transporter Protein 4 (RTP4) in Endometrium, Ovary, and Peripheral Blood Leukocytes of Pregnant and Cyclic Ewes Biol Reprod, September 1, 2008; 79(3): 518 - 524. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				T. E Spencer, O. Sandra, and E. Wolf Genes involved in conceptus-endometrial interactions in ruminants: insights from reductionism and thoughts on holistic approaches Reproduction, February 1, 2008; 135(2): 165 - 179. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]