Robertson, S.A.Seamark, R.F.2014-09-122014-09-121992Reproduction Fertility and Development, 1992; 4(4):435-4481031-36131448-5990http://hdl.handle.net/2440/85260Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is one of a number of lympho-haemapoietic cytokines, including CSF-1, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) now known to be synthesized by epithelial cells in the murine uterus. GM-CSF synthesis is regulated primarily by the ovarian steroid hormone oestrogen, but is also subject to modulation by factors including a seminal component of seminal vesicle origin which stimulates a 20-fold increase in luminal fluid content at mating, and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the T-lymphocyte and natural killer (NK) cell product interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). In the non-pregnant mouse GM-CSF synthesis peaks at oestrus. Synthesis is maintained at comparable or moderately higher levels during the preimplantation period of pregnancy and in the non-decidualized endometrium during mid gestation. An embryotrophic activity is suggested by studies in vitro that indicate that GM-CSF stimulates attachment and outgrowth of blastocysts. It is postulated that GM-CSF is of major importance to the physiology of pregnancy through its role as a component of a local cytokine circuit acting to recruit and regulate function of endometrial leukocytes, and by its action as interlocutor and important effector arm in embryo-maternal interactions during gestation.en© CSIRO 1992UterusLeukocytesAnimalsHumansSteroidsGranulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating FactorCytokinesEmbryonic and Fetal DevelopmentEmbryonic DevelopmentPregnancyFemaleIn Vitro TechniquesJournal article003000729110.1071/RD9920435A1992JU537000082-s2.0-002701418875069Robertson, S.A. [0000-0002-9967-0084]