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The Role of Prostaglandins in Endometrial Vascular Changes at Implantation

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Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Implantation

Abstract

One of the earliest signs of blastocyst implantation in all species investigated is a localized increase in endometrial vascular permeability (Psychoyos, 1973). This increase in permeability can be visualized readily by the intravenous injection of a macromolecular dye such as Evans blue, which leaves the vascular system only in areas where the permeability is abnormally high (Psychoyos, 1971). Examination of the uterus about 15 min after injection reveals colored sites (dye sites), each one of which in polytocous species indicates the presence of a blastocyst. Increased endometrial vascular permeability also precedes decidualization, which can be induced by the application of a wide variety of stimuli to the properly sensitized uterus, and is thought to be essential if decidualization is to occur (Psychoyos, 1973). While it is well established that these endometrial changes depend upon the proper steroid milieu, which may vary among species, the identity of the factor(s) responsible for the increase in endometrial vascular permeability and the subsequent decidualization of appropriately sensitized uteri are at present uncertain. In this communication we will summarize the evidence that indicates that prostaglandins are involved in mediating the changes in permeability in response to blastocysts and artificial stimuli.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

    T. G. Kennedy & D. T. Armstrong

  2. Department of Physiology, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada

    T. G. Kennedy & D. T. Armstrong

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  1. T. G. Kennedy
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  2. D. T. Armstrong
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA

    Stanley R. Glasser  & David W. Bullock  & 

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© 1981 Plenum Press, New York

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Kennedy, T.G., Armstrong, D.T. (1981). The Role of Prostaglandins in Endometrial Vascular Changes at Implantation. In: Glasser, S.R., Bullock, D.W. (eds) Cellular and Molecular Aspects of Implantation. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3180-3_28

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-3180-3_28

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4613-3182-7

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