Immunosuppressive activity and alpha interferon concentrations in human embryo culture media as an index of potential for successful implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate potential correlations between establishment of pregnancy and immunosuppressive activity secreted by the preimplantation embryo.


METHODS
To evaluate immunosuppressive activity, supernatants from preimplantation embryos were assessed for their ability to inhibit lymphocyte proliferation. Additionally, alpha interferon concentrations were also measured in these supernatants. We compared these parameters from embryo culture supernatants of women who did and did not achieve pregnancy after in vitro fertilization (IVF). Immunosuppression was assessed using a lymphocyte proliferation assay with concanavalin A (Con A) and phytohemagglutinin (PHA) as mitogens.


METHODS
In vitro fertilization program at the University of Utah Medical Center.


METHODS
Couples less than 40 years of age, with normal semen quality and bilateral tubal obstruction.


RESULTS
Immunosuppression calculated using the stimulation index (mean +/- SEM) in pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively, were: Con A: 43.9 +/- 3.9 versus 19.1 +/- 10.1, P less than 0.04. PHA: 23.6 +/- 5.6 versus 12.5 +/- 12.8, P less than 0.02. Alpha interferon levels (mean +/- SD) in pregnant and nonpregnant women were not significantly different: 23.98 +/- 9.6 U/mL versus 24.79 +/- 2.5 U/mL.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that pre-embryos with the capacity for successful implantation secrete greater amounts of immunosuppressive factors than those destined not to implant, as measured by Con A and PHA lymphocyte proliferation assays. Refinement of assay techniques and identification of the substances involved could have significant impact on IVF programs.
Jones
K P
KP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City 64132.
Warnock
S H
SH
Urry
R L
RL
Edwin
S S
SS
Mitchell
M D
MD
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers; D003470:Culture Media; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005307:Fertilization in Vitro; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D011247:Pregnancy; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015415:Biomarkers; D003470:Culture Media; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I