Mechanisms responsible for parturition; the use of experimental models.
Anim Reprod Sci
; 82-83: 567-81, 2004 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-15271480
ABSTRACT
In this review, our knowledge, gleaned from a range of species, of what determines gestation length, how fetal maturation and birth are synchronized and how the uterotonic mechanisms are activated at birth are discussed. Accumulated data indicate that fetal glucocorticoids are involved in, but do not necessarily play a causative role in, the initiation of parturition in eutherian mammals generally. Present observations are consistent with a complex, positive regulatory interaction between estrogens, prostaglandins and oxytocin and are consistent with a role for prostaglandins as the final, common effector in myometrial activation. We are, however, left with the possibility that the initial mechanism for the timing of birth is encoded in the fetal genome and is closely linked to, and activated when, certain prerequisite developmental events have occurred in the fetus. Our understanding of these events in the sheep have led to its extensive use as an experimental model for the study of human clinical correlates of fetal maturation and development and the control of the initiation of parturition.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Parto
/
Modelos Biológicos
Tipo de estudio:
Prognostic_studies
Límite:
Animals
/
Pregnancy
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Anim Reprod Sci
Año:
2004
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Australia