Immuno-endocrine interactions in early pregnancy

First we recall briefly the status of inflammatory cytokines in the early implantation period. We then describe the status of leukaemia inhibiting factor (LIF) production in an in-vitro, relatively short-term, human decidual explant culture system. We show that in most infertile women with recurrent implantation failure following successful in-vitro fertilization, LIF production is statistically much lower than normal. Other parameters of LIF production in vitro are summarized briefly, and the effects of RU486 are shown. The TH2 status of normal pregnancy is described, together with the production of TH2 cytokines by decidua and placenta. These cytokines are deficient in the CBAXDBA/2 model of murine spontaneous early pregnancy loss. The defect can be corrected by alloimmunization, and more importantly by the injection of tau interferon. The significance of these data for early pregnancy signalling is discussed.