Luteal Phase and Luteoplacental Shift: Physiology, Pathology, and Clinical Implications

Dear Colleagues,

This issue focuses on the physiology and pathology of the luteal phase (LP) and luteoplacental shift (LPS), with particular attention to the management of pregnancies at risk. LP is the period of time between the transformation of the dominant follicle into the corpus luteum (CL), shortly after ovulation, and either the establishment of pregnancy or the onset of menstrual bleeding. During the LP, the CL is responsible for the secretion of progesterone, a hormone with multiple functions in early pregnancy, including the secretory transformation of the endometrium and modulations of reactivity of endometrial immune cells. Both actions mediate uterine receptivity, required for embryo implantation and postimplantation development.

In cases of successful embryo implantation, the production of progesterone is later shifted from the CL to the placenta, a phenomenon known as the LPS. Under normal conditions, the LPS occurs at approximately the 7th to 9th week of gestation. 

LP and LPS deficiencies are rare in naturally conceived pregnancies, but they are relatively frequent in pregnancies resulting from different treatments of assisted reproductive technology (ART), especially those using ovarian stimulation and ovulation induction. LP deficiency is responsible for implantation failures and early miscarriages. LPS, in turn, can cause miscarriages occurring later during pregnancy.

This Special Issue focuses on the physiological mechanisms controlling the LP and LPS, especially in women. However, data obtained in suitable animal models will also be considered. Particular attention will be paid to pathological mechanisms disturbing both processes. Suggestions as to how to manage pregnancies at risk are welcome.

To further promote submissions of high quality manuscripts, we are now launching this Special Issue, where we will fully waive the publication fee. We hope you will submit your next manuscript.

Dr. Jan Tesarik
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Reproductive Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Luteal phase (LP)
• Luteoplacental shift (LPS)
• Corpus luteum (CL)
• Physiology, pathology, and clinical implications
• Pregnancy
• Assisted reproductive technology (ART)
• Implantation failures and early miscarriages