Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in human preimplantation embryos derived from tripronuclear zygotes

Citation
Js. Krussel et al., Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in human preimplantation embryos derived from tripronuclear zygotes, FERT STERIL, 74(6), 2000, pp. 1220-1226
Citations number
48
Categorie Soggetti
Reproductive Medicine","da verificare
Journal title
FERTILITY AND STERILITY
ISSN journal
00150282 → ACNP
Volume
74
Issue
6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1220 - 1226
Database
ISI
SICI code
0015-0282(200012)74:6<1220:EOVEGF>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
Objective: To detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) mRNA and/or secretion of VEGF protein by human preimplantation embryo s. Design: Human preimplantation embryos not suitable for uterine transfer wer e examined for beta -actin and VEGF mRNA expression. Culture media from nor mally fertilized and developing preimplantation embryos were assessed for V EGF protein secretion. Setting: Clinics and academic research laboratories at the Departments of O bstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University, Pale Alto, California and the Heinrich-Heine-University, Dusseldorf, Germany. Patient(s): Couples undergoing IVF by intracytoplasmic sperm injection for various reasons. Intervention(s): Six unfertilized oocytes and 33 pathologically fertilized (tripronucleic, 3PN) preimplantation embryos were examined for VEGF mRNA ex pression, and 16 embryos were examined for VEGF protein secretion. Main Outcome Measure(s): Embryonic expression of VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein as determined by reverse transcription (RT)/nested polymerase chain reacti on (PCR) and ELISA. Result(s): VEGF mRNA and protein could not be detected in unfertilized oocy tes. However, 30/33 preimplantation embryos did express VEGF mRNA (11/12 10 -to-16-cell embryos, 3/4 morulae, 11/12 early blastocysts, 5/5 hatched blas tocysts). The VEGF protein level was below the sensitivity of the ELISA. Conclusion(s): Production of VEGF may give the embryo the ability to induce neoangiogenesis at the implantation site, thus creating an environment nec essary for its survival. (Fertil Steril(R) 2000;74:1220-6 (C) 2000 by Ameri can Society for Reproductive Medicine).