Embryonic Diapause and Maternal Recognition of Pregnancy in Diapausing Mammals

Abstract

The dynamic nature of early embryonic growth is at odds with the phenomenon of mammalian embryonic diapause, because embryos in diapause are in a state of suspended animation of varying duration. The signals that control embryonic diapause differ between species, but in all cases, it acts to synchronise reproduction with external factors to maximise the survival of the offspring. This chapter provides an overview of current understanding of the control of embryonic diapause, with an emphasis on the three species about which most is known, namely, the mouse, the mink and the tammar wallaby.

Rapid conceptus elongation in the pig: An interleukin 1 beta 2 and estrogen‐regulated phenomenon

“…In a number of species that utilize delayed implantation as a reproductive strategy, the embryo reaches the blastocyst stage before entering diapause, or an temporary arrested state of development, before implantation (Renfree, ). Thus, the local uterine microenvironment and its secretions communicate with the blastocyst to maintain diapause until the uterine milieu is altered to allow for reactivation of blastocysts, thereby terminating diapause (Dey et al, ; Fenelon, Banerjee, & Murphy, ).…”

When Myc's asleep, embryonic stem cells are dormant

“…More specifically, the dKO mESCs showed a reduction in protein and nucleic acid synthesis while at the same time showing an increase in processes that promote their maintenance and survival; in other words, the cells maintained pluripotency, but had diminished differentiation propensity. Diapause describes a dormant state in which hormones signal the cell to arrest development in response to environmental factors (Renfree, ). It is especially beneficial in extreme environments or other conditions that indicate a strong competition for resources.…”