The Blastocyst Creates a Specialized Microenvironment to Promote Endometrial Receptivity and Implantation

Abstract

Background: At the time of implantation, the blastocyst produces a significant amount of lactic acid (LA), creating a microenvironment characterized by high lactate and low pH. Historically considered a ‘by-product’ of metabolism, studies have revealed lactate to be a key regulator of cell function, with a lactate-specific receptor, GPR81, recently identified. Further, lactate is an important signalling molecule in cancers promoting ECM breakdown, angiogenesis and immunosuppression, processes vital for successful implantation. Hence, LA could be an early embryonic signal to facilitate endometrial remodelling for receptivity and implantation. Aim: To determine the role of blastocyst-derived ..