Localisation of epidermal growth factor (EGF), its specific receptor (EGF-R) and aromatase at the materno-fetal interface during placentation in the pregnant mare

The findings support the hypothesis that, in equine pregnancy, the maternal growth factor EGF synergises with maternally and fetally secreted oestrogens to drive the rapid growth and extensive vascularisation of the non-invasive, epitheliochorial, microcotyledonary placenta which results in the birth of the precocious foal after only 11 months gestation.