This laboratory is currently investigating hormones derived from the blastocyst, placenta, ovary and uterus and their role in implantation, maintenance of pregnancy and parturition. The studies involve the isolation ad characterization of these proteins, the development of antibodies and radioimmunoassays to monitor hormonal levels. To date, we have studied oxytocin (ovary), relaxin (placenta nad uterus) and trophoblast protein (blastocyst). Tissue culture techniques are utilized along with autoradiography and immunocytochemistry to determine the cellular organelles responsible for the packaging, storage and secretion of these hormones. Co-culture techniques are being used to study the cell-cell interactions between placental trophoblast and uterine epithelial cells and how this interaction may be involved in the process of implantation and uterine growth to accommodate fetal growth. In vivo studies (rabbit model) are conducted in order to determine the physiological impact of the in vitro findings.
Hormones derived from the blastocyst, placenta, ovary and uterus and their role in implantation, maintenance of pregnancy and parturition.
