Implantation markers and endometriosis.

The receptive phase of the endometrium seems to occur in close association with the appearance of pinopodes and endometrial integrins that may be activated by the interleukin-1 system (IL-1). Embryo attachment is the result of adhesion protein expression, and the invasion of the embryo is governed by proteolytic enzymes. Leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) is produced by natural killer lymphocytes that interact with the invading trophoblast.

The patterns of uterine contractility in normal menstruating women: from physiology to pathology.

The nonpregnant uterus shows uterine activity throughout the menstrual cycle. This uterine activity was detected both by single strep tissue and by using intrauterine pressure recordings in vitro and in vivo. Today, ultrasound has made it possible to study this activity with a noninvasive approach and to assess uterine contractions (UCs) in real-time movements of the uterus.