The Role of Growth Factors and Cytokines during Implantation: Endocrine and Paracrine Interactions

Implantation, a critical step for establishing pregnancy, requires molecular and cellular events resulting in uterine growth and differentiation, blastocyst adhesion, invasion, and placental formation. Successful implantation requires a receptive endometrium, a normal and functional embryo at the blastocyst stage, and a synchronized dialogue between maternal and embryonic tissues. In addition to t…