title: The hamster as a model for embryo implantation: insights into a multifaceted process.
abstract: Defects in preimplantation embryonic development, uterine receptivity, and implantation are the leading cause of infertility, pregnancy problems and birth defects. Significant progress has been made in our basic understanding of these processes using the mouse model, where implantation is ovarian estrogen-dependent in the presence of progesterone. However, an animal model where implantation is progesterone-dependent must also be studied to gain a full understanding of the embryo and uterine events that are required for implantation. In this regard, the hamster is a useful model and this review summarizes the information currently available regarding mechanisms involved in synchronous preimplantation embryo and uterine development for implantation in this species.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-0656, USA.
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Reese
authors.forename: Hehai
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Tianbing
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ding
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Paria
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006224:Cricetinae / Q000502:physiology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000502:physiology; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / Q000502:physiology; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D023421:Models, Animal; D009024:Morphogenesis / Q000502:physiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D016207:Cytokines; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins