title: A baboon model for simulating pregnancy.
abstract: Estrogen and progesterone secreted by the corpus luteum regulate the function of the uterine endometrium in preparation for pregnancy. Embryonic signals superimposed on this steroid hormone-primed uterus further modulate the uterine environment to make it conducive to pregnancy. Understanding the signaling mechanisms that initiate the embryonic-maternal dialog in humans is not feasible. In an effort to elucidate the role of chorionic gonadotropin as a mediator of endometrial function in addition to its luteotrophic role, we have developed a simulated pregnant model in the baboon. Infusion of chorionic gonadotropin in a manner that mimics blastocyst transit induces major changes in the morphology and secretory activity of the endometrium. This model provides a method by which the function of various embryonic factors on endometrial can be tested in an in vivo model.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Center for Women's Health & Reproduction, University of Illinois, Chicago, USA.
authors.forename: Asgerally T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Fazleabas
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D023421:Models, Animal; D010215:Papio / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy / Q000502:physiology*; D012099:Reproductive Techniques
chemical_list: D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin