Prologue

Abstract

Endocrine hormone signals are known to act on the uterine target organ by inducing specific paracrine interactions between populations of cells within this marvelous incubator of the world. This Symposium was organized to bring together scientists with acumen in various areas of cell biology who have chosen to study the uterus as their model. The idea was to exchange information on cellular signaling which affect three major areas of uterine biology. The major themes addressed by the Symposium included: 1) signals responsible for ontogenetic and phylogenetic uterine morphogenesis and growth; 2) signals required for successful implantation and embryonic growth, as well as; 3) signals required for the genetic programming of normal and abnormal uterine growth. The Symposium was held on September 21-22, 1989, in Wichita Kansas. The Symposium attracted over 150 participants, these included scientists and students from the United States as well as some from abroad.