Interest in mechanisms of embryo implantation is increasing, particularly with the realization that failure of implantation after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer places significant limits on the success of treatment. In addition, there is a need to provide hypotheses, and ultimately mechanisms, for the high rates of embryonic loss in women in the population at large. Traditionally, implantation research has concentrated on genetics and endocrinology without providing many therapeutic benefits. A new era is now beginning with the application of modem cellular and molecular approaches to the investigation of the relationship between trophoblast and endometrium. At the same time, older data can be reevaluated in the light of current research into cell­ cell and cell-matrix interactions. The feeling that new avenues of research are open was apparent when an international group of scientists came together at a workshop on "The Cell Biology of Trophoblast Invasion In Vivo and In Vitro" held during the XXIV Annual Meeting of the Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture Study Group (C.T.O.C.) at Heidelberg in 1986. What was unusual about this Conference was the interdisciplinary dialogue between implantation researchers and tumor biologists, highlighting aspects common to invasion of trophoblast and tumor cells.

Springer Book Archives

Intoduction.- Trophoblast-Endometrial Interactions at Embryo Implantation: A Cell Biological Paradox.- Morphology.- Trophoblast Invasion and Placentation in the Human: Morphological Aspects.- Experimental Models.- An In Vitro Model for Studying Interactions Between Mouse Trophoblast and Uterine Epithelial Cells. A Brief Review of In Vitro Systems and Observations on Cell-Surface Changes During Blastocyst Attachment.- A Three-Dimensional Organ Culture Model for the Study of Implantation of Rabbit Blastocyst In Vitro.- Choriocarcinoma Cell Spheroids: An In Vitro Model for the Human Trophoblast.- Cell Biology and Immunology of the Invasive Trophoblast.- Adhesive Interactions of Murine and Human Trophoblast Cells.- The Role of Matrix Macromolecules in the Invasion of Decidua by Trophoblast: Model Studies Using BeWo Cells.- Interactions Between the Human Trophoblast Cells and the Extracellular Matrix of the Endometrium. Specific Expression of ?-Galactose Residues by Invasive Human Trophoblastic Cells.- Appearance, Shedding and Endocytosis of a Blastocyst Surface Galactose-Galactosamine Derivate Detected with a Monoclonal Antibody.- Antigenic Expression by Migrating Trophoblast and its Relevance to Implantation. A Review.- THE HOST TISSUE Uterine Epithelium: Cell Biological Changes In Relation To Endometrial "Receptivity".- Glycoconjugate Expression and Interactions at the Cell Surface of Mouse Uterine Epithelial Cells and Periimplantation Stage Embryos.- Uterine Receptivity to Implantation in the Rabbit: Evidence for a 42 kDa Glycoprotein as a Marker of Receptivity.- Possible Involvement of D-galactose in the Implantation Process.- Histochemical Characteristics of the Endometrial Surface Related Temporally to Implantation in the Non-Human Primate (Macaca Fascicularis).-Changes in Lectin Binding Patterns in Rabbit Endometrium During Pseudopregnancy, Early Pregnancy and Implantation.- Preparation of Rabbit Uterine Epithelium for Trophoblast Attachment: Histochemical Changes in the Apical and Lateral Membrane Compartment.- Changes in Lipid Organization of Uterine Epithelial Cell Membranes at Implantation in the Rabbit.- Cell Surface Components of Human Endometrial Epithelium: Monoclonal Antibody Studies.- Changes of Intermediate Filament Protein Localization in Endometrial Cells During Early Pregnancy.- Basement Membranes And Endometrial Stroma.- Biochemical and Structural Changes in Uterine Endometrial Cell Types Following Natural or Artificial Deciduogenic Stimuli. A Review.- Penetration of the Basal Lamina by Processes of Uterine Epithelial Cells During Implantation in the Rabbit.- Endometrial Leukocytes in Human Pregnancy.- List of contributors.