The plasma membrane transformation of uterine epithelial cells during pregnancy
Murphy, C.R.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Suppl 55: 23-28
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 10889831 Document Number: 523849
This review discusses the diversity of placentation mechanisms and examines the extensive alterations that occur in the plasma membrane of uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy in many species. Ultrastructural, biochemical and morphological studies reveal that similar membrane alterations occur in many species, despite the diversity in the type of placenta that is formed ultimately. As these morphological and molecular alterations in the plasma membrane occur across species and are found basolaterally as well as apically, the term 'plasma membrane transformation' is proposed, which also emphasizes that alterations in this membrane during early pregnancy are not just an occurrence at attachment, but are an ongoing process during much of early pregnancy.