[Fetomaternal signal transduction by growth factors]

An attempt was made to review the current knowledge on the role of growth factors in the field of fetomaternal interaction. Of special interest was the relation between maternal T-lymphocytes and fetal growth. Stimulation of cytotrophoblast growth is effected by: IGF I/II (insulin-like growth factor), CSF-1 (colony stimulating factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), IL-1, IL-3 (Interleukin), PDGF (platelet derived growth factor). TNF (tumor necrosis factor) inhibits trophoblast cell growth. TNF is synthesized in both decidual and chronic cells. CSF-1 considered the most potent stimulator of the induction of trophoblast cell growth. Cytotrophoblast itself produces IGF I/II, EGF, PDGF, TGF (transforming growth factor). Furthermore, it is known that HCG-secretion is mainly stimulated by IL-1. Whereas intra- and paracrine mechanisms in the placenta will remain in the field of basic research for the next future, animal experiments proving the positive impact of IL-3 and GM-CSF (granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulating factor) on trophoblast growth should give reason for clinical investigations. It is assumed, that maternal T-lymphocytes realize paternally inherited alloantigenic structures resulting in local response of IL-3 and GM-CSF production.