Adaptive mechanisms controlling uterine spiral artery remodeling during the establishment of pregnancy

Authors

Michael J. Soares, University of Kansas Medical Center
Damayanti Chakraborty, University of Kansas Medical Center
Kaiyu Kubota, University of Kansas Medical Center
Stephen J. Renaud, University of Kansas Medical CenterFollow
M. A. Karim Rumi, University of Kansas Medical Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Journal

International Journal of Developmental Biology

Volume

58

Issue

2-4

First Page

247

Last Page

259

URL with Digital Object Identifier

10.1387/ijdb.140083ms

Abstract

Implantation of the embryo into the uterus triggers the initiation of hemochorial placentation. The hemochorial placenta facilitates the acquisition of maternal resources required for embryo/fetal growth. Uterine spiral arteries form the nutrient supply line for the placenta and fetus. This vascular conduit undergoes gestation stage-specific remodeling directed by maternal natural killer cells and embryo-derived invasive trophoblast lineages. The placentation site, including remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries, is shaped by environmental challenges. In this review, we discuss the cellular participants controlling pregnancy-dependent uterine spiral artery remodeling and mechanisms responsible for their development and function. © 2014 UBC Press.