ABSTRACT
Most endometrial proteins are regulated by steroids, and so it has been necessary to rigorously focus this chapter in order to review the literature. Therefore, the available evidence in support of progesterone and/or estradiol regulation of specific endometrial proteins is described briefly in order to provide a reference base for the design of future studies. Published studies available through June, 1998 have been reviewed. Some attention has been given to the advantages and limitations of the different methods employed in examining endometrial protein expression and areas in which key information is lacking have been pointed out, but speculation on the functions or interactions of the described steroid-regulated proteins must be sought in more detailed chapters of this volume. The main focus of the chapter is on human endometrium, but studies from animal models are also presented so that species differences and the validity of different animal models for the study of specific proteins can be appreciated. While cells of the functionalis and basalis region of the endometrium can respond differentially to steroid treatment, studies on human endometrium generally examine only the functionalis region. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, it is reasonable to assume that descriptions of human endometrium refer to the functionalis.
