Title Index Book Series Non-serial Titles Book News Immunology of Gametes and Embryo Implantation Editor(s):   Markert, U.R. (Jena)  Online Access      Table of Contents / Fulltext / Pay Per View Free PDF: Preface and detailed Table of Contents (59 KB) Free Sample Chapter: Justine S. Fitzgerald, Susann Busch, Tobias Wengenmayer, Katharina Foerster, Torben de la Motte, Tobias G. Poehlmann, Udo R. Markert: Signal Transduction in Trophoblast Invasion (120 KB) The first of two new complementary volumes devoted to the immunology of reproduction Infertility is an increasing problem in many societies. The success rate of assisted reproduction is still below 30%, although the treatments and techniques have improved continuously. An important but often underestimated aspect of fertility and infertility is the immunology of gametes and the early embryo. Sperm is a potential target for autoimmunity in men and alloimmunity in women, but physiologically, such immunoreactions do not occur. Although the preimplantation embryo is semiallogeneic to the mother, no destructive reaction occurs but her uterus prepares a unique, finely balanced immunological environment around the implantation site, which is indispensable for successful early pregnancy. This book provides an overview of the current knowledge of physiological and pathological immune reactions which favor or disturb fertility. The regulation of embryo implantation and trophoblast invasion through cytokines, growth factors and other pregnancy-related immuno­regulatory molecules is described in detail.Autoimmunity and allergy are presented as possible causes of reproductive failure. With contributions by leading international groups this volume provides a valuable introduction for those readers who are not yet familiar with the immunology of reproduction while it also serves to update specialists on the most recent findings in the field. Companion Volume: Immunology of Pregnancy (Chemical Immunology and Allergy, Vol. 89) Chemical Immunology and Allergy,  Vol. 88 ISSN: 1660-2242 e-ISSN: 1662-2898 Immunology of Gametes and Embryo Implantation  Editor(s):   Markert, U.R. (Jena) XII + 206 p.,  10 fig.,  8 tab.,  hard cover,  2005 Status: available      CHF  EUR  USD        (Germany only)  (USA only)    List price  176.-  125.50  160.00    Prices subject to change  Order this title Print Edition Online Edition Order Information ISBN: 978-3-8055-7951-3 e-ISBN: 978-3-318-01233-0 Series Home Details & Prices  Order this title Print Edition Online Edition Order Information  Further Reading Immunology Embryology Obstetrics Andrology Fertility Fetal Medicine Gynecology Reproduction Search in this book  © 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel