Aplin JD

[ 1 ] - I-5: Molcular and Cellular Interactions in UterineReceptivity for Implantation

Background: Though plausible candidate adhesion systems have been identified, current knowledge of embryo-maternal attachment in human is limited by the inability to conduct well-controlled functional investigations. We have sought a viable medium-throughput model for the identification and functional assessment of molecular markers in the initial epithelial phases of implantation. An ideal mod...

[ 2 ] - I-6: Remodelling Uterine Spiral Arteries inPregnancy

Background: During the first trimester of pregnancy the uterine spiral arteries that supply blood to the placenta are remodelled, creating heavily dilated conduits lacking maternal vasomotor control. To effect permanent vasodilatation, the internal elastic lamina and medial elastic fibres must be degraded. Failure of remodelling is a key characteristic of the pathological placenta and is though...

[ 3 ] - I-7: Maternal Signalling to the Placenta

Background: Though it is well established that maternal blood-borne signals influence highly the growth of the placenta, the mechanisms are not known. In vitro trophoblast culture models are limited by an inability to reconstruct the polarised bilayer of the human hemochorial placenta. We have used a first trimester villous tissue explant system to investigate how growth factors interact with p...