This review examines the strengths and weaknesses of animal models of human
placentation and pays particular attention to the mouse and non-human primates. Analogies …

Adverse influences during fetal life alter the structure and function of distinct cells, organ
systems or homoeostatic pathways, thereby 'programming'the individual for an increased …

Pre-eclampsia is associated with insufficient adaptations of spiral arteries which theoretically
alter haemodynamics within the intervillous space. Such changes could damage the …

Epidemiological evidence suggests that size at birth may affect health in later life. The
growth of the fetus may be adversely affected by a suboptimal maternal environment …

The success of pregnancy is a result of countless ongoing interactions between the placenta
and the maternal immune and cardiovascular systems. Pre‐eclampsia is a serious …

The maternal vasculature within the placenta in primates and rodents is unique because it is
lined by fetal cells of the trophoblast lineage and not by maternal endothelial cells. In …

Sexual reproduction in the ocean necessitates only the combination of gametes, followed by
absorption of nutrients and oxygen from the surrounding watery medium. As life moved from …

One of the most important local adaptations to pregnancy is the change in maternal blood
flow to the implantation site. In rodents and primates, new blood vessels form through …

Exposure of the embryo or fetus to perturbations in utero can result in intrauterine growth
restriction, a primary risk factor for the development of adult disease. However, despite …

During the course of 9 months, the human placenta develops into a highly vascular organ.
Vasculogenesis starts during the third week post-conception. Hemangioblastic cell cords …