Effects of a monoclonal antibody against progesterone, on embryo transport, development and implantation in laboratory mice.
A monoclonal antibody against progesterone (11P27) given on Day 2 of pregnancy interrupted pregnancy in BALB/c mice but not in BCF1 mice. The reason for this strain difference remains unclear, although it may involve discrimination by the recipient's immune system. The effects in BALB/c mice were reversed by progestin treatment. A dose of 5 nmol, which completely blocked implantation, had no significant effects on embryo transport and development on Day 4. A dose of 10 nmol did not increase the proportion of abnormal embryos, even though it accelerated tubal transport and increased embryo loss. No tubal retention was evident; most remaining embryos reached the uterus at the normal time. The transformation of morulae to blastocysts was only slightly delayed in 11P27-treated mice, and transfer experiments showed no decrease in embryo viability. The antibody appeared to act by blocking actions of endogenous progesterone on the uterus: uteri of 11P27-treated mice failed to develop a decidual cell reaction to intrauterine oil, and embryos from untreated donors failed to implant in 11P27-treated recipients. Antagonism of progesterone by antibody treatment prevented implantation in BALB/c mice apparently by actions on the uterus rather than on the embryo.
Vinijsanun
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Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia.
Martin
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Wang
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Fantl
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D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003656:Decidua / Q000502:physiology; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology*; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D011374:Progesterone