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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
09:20
Generation of Multicellular Human Primary Endometrial Organoids
Published on: October 4, 2019
Hormone receptor dynamics in a receptive human endometrium
Hilary O D Critchley1, Philippa T K Saunders
1Division of Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, Scotland. hilary.critchley@ed.ac.uk
Reproductive Sciences (Thousand Oaks, Calif.)
|February 12, 2009
Summary
Hormone receptor dynamics in the human endometrium are crucial for uterine receptivity. Understanding steroid hormone action and metabolism is key for fertility control and treating subfertility.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Endometrial function is regulated by circulating steroids binding to ligand-activated receptors.
- Steroid hormone action involves cell-specific targets and modulation of local ligand availability by metabolizing enzymes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of hormone receptor dynamics in the human endometrium.
- To highlight the role of progesterone in determining uterine receptivity.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to define cell-specific steroid hormone targets.
- Studies involving pharmacological withdrawal of progestogens using progesterone receptor antagonists.
- Microarray analysis of human endometrium, mouse models, and in vitro studies to document gene expression changes.
Main Results:
- Progesterone plays a significant role in regulating gene expression and determining uterine receptivity.
- Steroid metabolizing enzymes modulate local ligand availability within endometrial tissue.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the impact of local and peripheral steroids on endometrial function is vital for fertility control.
- Disturbances in endometrial structure and function related to steroid hormones are implicated in subfertility.
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