Hormone Receptor Dynamics in a Receptive Human Endometrium

The text herein is an overview of hormone receptor dynamics in human endometrium as presented at the Society for Gynecologic Investigation Summit on Implantation. It is not in-depth review. Endometrial function is modulated by circulating steroids that bind ligand-activated receptors and initiate a cascade of molecular and cellular events. Cell-specific targets for steroid hormone action have been defined using immunohistochemistry. Local ligand availability is modulated by steroid metabolizing enzymes expressed within endometrial tissue. Insight on impact of progestogens on endometrial function had derived from studies of pharmacological withdrawal using progesterone receptor antagonists. Microarray analysis of human endometrium, studies in mouse models and in vitro have documented gene expression changes regulated by progesterone and implicated this hormone in determining uterine receptivity. Understanding of the impact of local and peripheral steroids on endometrial function is important for fertility control and for understanding how disturbances of endometrial structure and function play a role in subfertility.