[Primates in the study of mechanisms of pregnancy]

In the field of reproductive physiology, laboratory primates share large homology with the human species, namely the regulation of the steroid production during gestation, the functional anatomy of the uterus and the lack of any recognized endocrine signal preceding the parturition. Primates are largely used in studies on uterine contractility and on the related controling factors (e.g. steroids, catecholamines, isosanoids...). Other studies attempt to identify the origin of impaired fetal vitality in utero. Primates are also good surrogates to establish safe procedures for antenatal surgery. Constraints in connection with the use of primates are primarely the cost of the animals, their low fertility rate and the fact that only very few species (i.e. macaque and baboon) are available for sophisticated studies.