Inhibition of implantation by the intrauterine administration of phospholipases in the rat.
Phospholipases A2 and C (93 and 500 mU) were administered to uterine horns of Long-Evans adult rats during the first five days of pregnancy. As control material, saline (0.15 M) was administered to contralateral uterine horns. The animals were sacrificed on the ninth day of pregnancy, the uterine horns were removed and the number of implanted embryos were counted. Both horns were examined with light and electron microscopes. For electron microscopy, Ruthenium red was used to visualize possible changes of the outer coat (glycocalix) of the plasma membrane of endometrial epithelial cells. Implantation was inhibited when phospholipases A2 and C were administered during the first three days of pregnancy. Ultrastructural modifications included decrease of glycoproteins as demonstrated by diminution of the Ruthenium red staining that may indicate a decrease in the negative surface charges of endometrial surface epithelium.
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010740:Phospholipases / Q000378:metabolism*; D010741:Phospholipases A / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D010738:Type C Phospholipases / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus
D010740:Phospholipases; D010741:Phospholipases A; D010738:Type C Phospholipases