Biology and Pathology of Trophoblast

Description

Originally published in 2006, this book provides an in-depth account of trophoblast: the tissue derived from the fertilised egg that nourishes and protects the developing fetus. The cells of the trophoblast have many unique qualities, and exhibit great variability across different species. It has a fascinating role in the development of the placenta and as a regulator during early growth of the embryo. These aspects are all fully covered as well as studies on why it is not rejected by the mother as 'foreign' tissue. Disorders of trophoblast during development also manifest themselves in several clinical conditions during pregnancy, including gestational trophoblastic disease and pre-eclampsia. From stem cells through to epigenetics, implantation and X-chromosome inactivation, there is a lot to be learned about trophoblast, this volume provides a detailed summary of knowledge regarding the subject.

"Readers who want a more scientific treatise on the wonders of the placenta should peruse Biology and Pathology of Trophoblast...provide succinct yet comprehensive introductions to a number of important immunologic concepts pertinent to the process of placentation and the maintenance of pregnancy. Many interesting facts about placental immunology are shared." Drucilla J. Robers, M.D., Massachusetts General Hospital, New England Journal of Medicine.