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Recurrent Implantation Failure pp 1–19Cite as

Signaling Between Embryo and Endometrium: Normal Implantation

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Abstract

Implantation is a finely coordinated, species-specific orchestration of events between the nascent embryo and a receptive endometrium, culminating in the opportunity for new life. Implantation represents a stepwise progression of dynamic events that enjoins the embryonic proliferation and intrusion with endometrial differentiation to avoid excessive invasion, optimizing survival for both mother and offspring. The response to the embryo’s need to establish nutrition and waste management is achieved through eloquent endometrial accommodation that supplies the growing embryo with uterine milk from glandular secretions and later vascular integration through cytotrophoblast modification of those same vessels. This complex dance, as it progresses, provides ample opportunity for failure along the way. Indeed, success occurs in only a minority of pregnancies and occurs at a relatively low efficiency, particularly in Homo sapiens. Nonetheless, this process of acceptance of the fetal allograph and implantation is one of the most fascinating events in human biology. This chapter serves as an introduction to this book and provides an overview of that process.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Greenville Health System, Greenville, SC, USA

    Chelsea Fox MD & Bruce A. Lessey MD, PhD

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  1. Chelsea Fox MD
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  2. Bruce A. Lessey MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Bruce A. Lessey MD, PhD .

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  1. Reproductive Medicine Associates of NJ, Thomas Jefferson University, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, USA

    Jason M. Franasiak

  2. Reproductive Medicine Associates of NJ, Thomas Jefferson University, Basking Ridge, New Jersey, USA

    Richard T. Scott Jr.

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Fox, C., Lessey, B.A. (2018). Signaling Between Embryo and Endometrium: Normal Implantation. In: Franasiak, J., Scott Jr., R. (eds) Recurrent Implantation Failure. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71967-2_1

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