Significance of peritoneal macrophages on fertility in mice.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the role of peritoneal macrophages in infertility, we investigated how the presence of peritoneal macrophages would affect fecundity in mice. Moreover, we also studied the effects of interleukin-1 on embryonic development.


METHODS
Mice were administered OK-432 intraperitoneally to induce macrophage infiltration of the peritoneal cavity; ovulation was then induced and animals were mated. On day 13 of gestation, fetuses were counted. After injection of OK-432 or interleukin-1, the mice were mated. Three days later, embryos were collected and the stage of embryo development was determined.


RESULTS
In mice given OK-432 (n = 33), four (12%) became pregnant and the mean litter number was 6.0 +/- 3.6, whereas in the control group 23 of 30 mice (77%; p < 0.01) became pregnant and the litter number was 14.1 +/- 5.3 (p < 0.01). OK-432 and interleukin-1 administered intraperitoneally significantly suppressed embryo development (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
Increased numbers of peritoneal macrophages negatively affect fecundity, probably by suppressing embryonic development.
Umesaki
N
N
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
Uda
S
S
Kawabata
M
M
Ogita
S
S
D000818:Animals; D001755:Blastocyst / Q000502:physiology; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000502:physiology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology; D008264:Macrophages / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D009028:Morula / Q000502:physiology; D010529:Peritoneal Cavity / Q000166:cytology; D010844:Picibanil / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy
D007375:Interleukin-1; D010844:Picibanil