Embryo implantation in the anterior chamber of the eye. Effects on uterine allografts and the microvasculature.
A model suitable for the in vivo study of embryo implantation in the presence or absence of uterine tissue has been developed. After transplantation of a uterine allograft to the anterior chamber of rat eyes, embryos were transferred to control, normally cycling, and pseudopregnant recipients. Implantation rates were 86%, 46% and 49%, respectively, for the three groups. Despite embryo growth rates being delayed by 3-4 days, histologic studies showed relatively normal egg cylinder stage embryos equivalent to those of day 8 of normal development. Uterine allografts varied greatly in appearance, from inert-looking pieces of connective tissue to recognizable uterine structures with an epithelium and a degree of decidual response. Reduced implantation rates in the presence of a uterine allograft may be due either to the uterine production of blastotoxic substances or the presence of a chronic inflammatory reaction resulting from the rejection of the allograft by the recipient. This model provides a unique system for continuous, noninvasive in vivo observations of the implantation process.
Rogers
P A
PA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Queen Victoria Medical Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
MacPherson
A M
AM
Beaton
L A
LA
D000818:Animals; D004624:Embryo Transfer; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development; D005260:Female; D005306:Fertilization; D006084:Graft Rejection; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009799:Ocular Physiological Phenomena; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000637:transplantation*