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8 - Trophoblast regulation of maternal endocrine function and behaviour

from General discussion I

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  07 August 2009

By
E. B. Keverne
Edited by
Ashley Moffett ,
Charlie Loke  and
Anne McLaren
E. B. Keverne
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge, UK
Ashley Moffett
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Charlie Loke
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
Anne McLaren
Affiliation:
Cancer Research, UK
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Summary

Trophoblast cell lineage exerts considerable influence on maternal endocrine function. Progesterone is the steroid hormone that dominates pregnancy and is necessary to sustain pregnancy. The sustained production of progesterone beyond the normal duration of the oestrous cycle is common to all mammals and is referred to as the maternal recognition of pregnancy. However, the means of producing high levels of progesterone in maternal circulation varies according to species and the stage of pregnancy, and involves different cell types of the trophectoderm lineage. There are three important mechanisms for progesterone regulation by trophoblast cells (a) by direct synthesis, (b) indirectly by production of hormones that sustain the maternal corpus luteum (prolactin in rodents; chorionic gonadotrophins in primates and horses), and (c) indirectly by paracrine factors (antiluteolysins) that prevent uterine production of prostaglandins and luteal regression (sheep and cows trophoblast produce interferon).

The effects of progesterone on maternal tissues are mediated through its interaction with specific intracellular receptors that are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors (Tsai & O'Malley 1994). Progesterone receptor binding induces conformational changes in receptor structure leading to dimerisation, post-translational modification by recruitment of coactivator proteins and binding to specific enhancer DNA elements in promoters that initiate gene transcription. Progesterone has a broad spectrum of effects by acting on many maternal target tissues (Fig. 8.1).

Progesterone function in pregnancy

Implantation

A null mutation of the progesterone receptor in mice prevents decidualisation and pregnancy.

Type
Chapter
Information
Biology and Pathology of Trophoblast , pp. 148 - 168
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2006

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