Dialogue between blastocyst hCG and endometrial LH/hCG receptor: which role in implantation?

The specific interaction of blastocyst-derived human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and endometrial LH/hCG-R constitutes a fundamental component of the molecular dialogue at the materno-fetal interface. From our observations and studies from other groups, hCG was indeed shown to play a significant role in implantation and tolerance of the embryo, decidual differentiation and remodeling, as well as in placentation. The profile pattern of LH/hCG-R expression by endometrial epithelium correlates with the theoretical timing of the implantation window. Studies are currently being conducted in assisted medical procreation and in an animal model of implantation to establish the index of LH/hCG-R expression as a new biomarker of uterine receptivity for embryo implantation. (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.