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Implantation of the blastocyst stage embryo into the maternal endometrium is a critical determinant and a rate-limiting process for successful pregnancy. Embryo implantation requires synchronized changes in the endometrium before and after arrival of blastocyst into the uterine cavity. Extensive cross talks occur between the fetal and maternal compartments around the time of implantation which are reflected by morphologic, biochemical and molecular changes in the endometrial cells and the differentiating trophoblast cells. The embryo induced morphologic changes include occurrence of epithelial plaque reaction, stromal compaction and decidualization. Embryonic signals also alter the expression of a large number of transcription factors, growth factors and their receptors and integrins. Thus the embryo superimposes a unique signature on the receptive endometrium for successful implantation. Functionally, the embryo-endometrial cross talk is essential for endowing a “selector activity” to the receptive endometrium to ensure implantation of only a developmentally competent embryo. On selection, the decidua creates a conducive microenvironment for trophoblast invasion leading to placentation. Clinical evidences suggest that along with receptivity, a defective “selector” activity of the receptive uterus may be a cause of infertility and recurrent miscarriages. Defects in trophoblast invasion are associated with pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and intra-uterine growth retardation. It is envisaged that understanding of the embryo-endometrial dialogue leading to the “selector” activity, aids in development of appropriate therapeutic modalities for infertility related disorders and miscarriages. Conversely, it might also benefit the development of anti-implantation drugs for contraception.

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Neonatal tissues, cord and placenta, are explored as alternate sources of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for their therapeutic applications. Conventionally, MSCs isolated from cord tissues are maintained and propagated in FBS containing medium for promotion of growth and survival of cells. However, for therapeutic use, FBS use is not encouraged as it is of animal origin. Thus, there is a need for replacement of FBS by equally potent and clinically acceptable cost effective sources. The current study is designed to compare the effect of cord blood plasma (CBP) with MSC qualified FBS (M FBS) during culture and cryopreservation of MSCs. MSCs were isolated from cord and placenta and propagated in either M FBS or CBP. The efficiency of the cultures was analyzed by growth curve, morphology, phenotype and functionality. The cryo-protective role of the CBP was evaluated by using it in freezing medium of MSCs. Our data showed that CBP is equivalent to M FBS for culturing placental MSCs with respect to the phenotype, proliferation rate and differentiation to various lineages. However, cord MSCs displayed slow growth rate and reduction in surface expression of CD105 marker in CBP, whereas, the other parameters were comparable. Freezing of MSCs with CBP resulted in reduction of the late apoptotic and necrotic population. Thus, CBP imparts superior protection against cryogenic insults, and appears to be a valuable substitute to M FBS for cultivation and freezing of MSCs.

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