Mammalian Placentation: A Tribute to E.C. Amoroso's Contributions to Placenta Development.

Abstract

Establishment of viviparity in mammals evolved through not only the long-term retainment of the fetus within the maternal uterus but differentiation and expansion of cell layers to form functional membranes to exchange O₂/CO₂ and nutrients between the placenta and maternal circulations. Development of a fetal placental vascular circulation to interact with the maternal uterus is critical to the survival of all species. However, the fascination with the mammalian placenta is the robust variation in types, form, attachment, invasiveness, structure, cell differentiation, endocrine function, and regulation of the maternal immune system. Despite the obvious role of the placenta to support fetal development, mammals have evolved multiple strategies to give live birth at term. The placenta and the maternal-fetal interface during pregnancy can be quite simple to very complex. Professor E.C. Amoroso contributed greatly to the study of comparative placentation in animals. His paper "Placentation" in Marshall's Physiology of Reproduction published in 1952 remains the standard for comparative placental anatomy today. The present volume on "Mammalian Placentation" brings together current reviews for leading experts to diversity of placentation in a number of mammalian species. Chapters will discuss viviparity, blastocyst formation, and placentation in the cow, pig, horse, mouse, dog, primate, human, elephant, and marsupials.