GM-CSF regulation of embryo development and pregnancy

• Published in: Cytokine & growth factor reviews Vol. 18; no. 3; pp. 287 - 298
• Main Author: Robertson, Sarah A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2007
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Animals; Blastocyst - metabolism; Cell Lineage; Embryo; Embryo, Mammalian - cytology; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; GM-CSF; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor - metabolism; Hormones - metabolism; Humans; Leukocytes - cytology; Leukocytes - metabolism; Mice; Models, Biological; Ovary - metabolism; Placenta; Pregnancy; Steroids - metabolism; Uterus; Pregnancy; Embryo; Placenta; Uterus; GM-CSF
• ISSN: 1359-6101
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2007.04.008

The reproductive tissues undergo profound structural changes and major immune adaptation to accommodate pregnancy. Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is one of an array of cytokines with pivotal roles in embryo implantation and subsequent development. Several cell lineages in the reproductive tract and gestational tissues synthesise GM-CSF under direction by ovarian steroid hormones and signalling agents originating in male seminal fluid and the conceptus. The pre-implantation embryo, invading placental trophoblast cells and the abundant populations of leukocytes controlling maternal immune tolerance are all subject to GM-CSF regulation. GM-CSF deficiency in pregnancy adversely impacts fetal and placental development, as well as progeny viability and growth after birth, highlighting this cytokine as a central maternal determinant of pregnancy outcome with clinical relevance in human fertility.