Placental development and its control in cattle

Abstract

This review aims to provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the development and function of the bovine placenta, starting with the gross anatomical morphology and histology. In addition, detailed information on trophoblast giant cell formation (TGC) and the complex interplay of the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, integrins and growth factor systems is given. Drugs and pathological conditions (e.g. cloned placenta, retained placenta) are also reviewed. Knowledge derived from cell culture studies is embedded and set in proportion to the data gained from in vivo experiments. Finally, new discoveries and the major challenges for future work on the bovine placenta close the circle, in order to provide a complete picture of what is known about this fascinating, synepitheliochorial organ.