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Adhesion molecules in endometrial epithelium: tissue integrity and embryo implantation
Author(s) -
Singh Harmeet,
Aplin John D.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of anatomy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.932
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1469-7580
pISSN - 0021-8782
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2008.01034.x
Subject(s) - epithelium , embryo , microbiology and biotechnology , biology , extracellular matrix , cell adhesion molecule , adhesion , cell adhesion , endometrium , anatomy , cell , chemistry , endocrinology , genetics , organic chemistry
Cell adhesion in endometrial epithelium is regulated to maintain the continuity and protectiveness of the luminal covering cell layer while permitting interstitial implantation of the embryo during a restricted period of about 4 days. Many apparently normal embryos fail to implant, and epithelial‐embryo adhesion remains a poorly understood phenomenon. After menstruation, epithelial regeneration occurs by epiboly from the basal residues of glands, an activity that requires migration on extracellular matrix as well as cell–cell cohesion. Here we review current knowledge of adhesion molecules in the epithelium.