Uterine disorders and pregnancy complications: insights from mouse models
Hyunjung Jade Lim, Haibin Wang
Hyunjung Jade Lim, Haibin Wang
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Uterine disorders and pregnancy complications: insights from mouse models

Abstract

Much of our knowledge of human uterine physiology and pathology has been extrapolated from the study of diverse animal models, as there is no ideal system for studying human uterine biology in vitro. Although it remains debatable whether mouse models are the most suitable system for investigating human uterine function(s), gene-manipulated mice are considered by many the most useful tool for mechanistic analysis, and numerous studies have identified many similarities in female reproduction between the two species. This Review brings together information from studies using animal models, in particular mouse models, that shed light on normal and pathologic aspects of uterine biology and pregnancy complications.

Authors

Hyunjung Jade Lim, Haibin Wang

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Figure 1

The menstrual cycle in women.

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The menstrual cycle in women. The uterus undergoes a sequence of cellula...
The uterus undergoes a sequence of cellular transformations every 28 days. Prior to ovulation, the uterus is at the follicular phase and has a thinner endometrium. Accompanied by peaks of follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen, ovulation occurs mid-cycle. The uterine lining then proliferates and becomes predecidual for the preparation of blastocyst implantation. In humans, the receptive phase is considered to be around mid-luteal phase, at days 20–24 of each cycle (numbered in red).