[The effects of progesterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF- I and IGF-II) on proliferation in human decidual stromal cells of early pregnancy in vitro].

Objective: To study the effect of progesterone and Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I and IGF-II) on proliferation in human decidual stromal cells of early pregnancy in vitro.

Methods: [3H]Thymidine (3H-TdR) uptake was applied to assess cell proliferation in human decidual stromal cells of early pregnancy (gestation of 5 to 7 weeks) in vitro after cultured with progesterone, IGF-I or IGF-II.

Results: Progesterone, IGF-I and IGF-II stimulated cell proliferation by 1.6-3.4 folds inhuman decidual stromal cells of early pregnancy in vitro (P<0.01), and those effects were time-dependent (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Progesterone, IGF-I and IGF-II may play an important role in the regulation of proliferation and decidualization of stromal cells in human decidua of early pregnancy, which is essential for embryo implantation and the maintenance of early pregnancy.