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A role for interferons in early pregnancy
Author(s) -
Roberts R. Michael
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
bioessays
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.175
H-Index - 184
eISSN - 1521-1878
pISSN - 0265-9247
DOI - 10.1002/bies.950130305
Subject(s) - conceptus , corpus luteum , trophoblast , biology , pregnancy , interferon type i , early pregnancy factor , interferon , andrology , immunology , placenta , fetus , medicine , genetics , gestation
Abstract In order to survive, the developing conceptus must interrupt the normal ovarian cycle of the mother and extend the production of progesterone by the corpus luteum. An unusual Type 1 interferon (IFN), related structurally to the IFN–α molecule and produced in massive amounts for only a few days by the first epithelium (trophectoderm) of the preimplantation conceptus, has been implicated as the antiluteolytic agent in sheep and cattle. IFN‐a therapy during this critical period can also improve pregnancy success in sheep. It remains unclear, however, whether the trophoblast IFN have specialized biological properties or whether they are unique merely in the timing, magnitude and site of their expression.