ABSTRACT
Regulation of trophoblast cell invasion of the maternal uterine tissues and subsequent remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries requires the coordinated activity of several different cell types. Recent research has indicated a clear role for the uterine natural killer cells, a distinct leucocyte subpopulation found within the endometrium and decidua, in regulating these processes and the activity of extravillous trophoblast cells, while in turn being educated and modied by this trophoblast cell population. This chapter examines some of these complex interactions, with focus on alterations in secretion proles of cytokines and angiogenic growth factors.
