Exogenous gonadotropin administration affects the glycocalyx of rat endometrial epithelial cells during the period of implantation.
OBJECTIVE
Exogenous gonadotropins which cause superovulation are known to effect endometrial morphology, including the glycocalyx of surface epithelial cells. Certain of the carbohydrates in the glycocalyx of surface epithelial cells may be involved in the attachment and implantation of the blastocyst.


METHODS
The effect of exogenous gonadotropins on specific carbohydrates in the glycocalyx of the rat endometrium around the time of implantation was investigated. Lectin-avidin-biotin-ferritin cytochemistry was used to ascertain which carbohydrates were affected. The lectins soybean agglutinin, fucose binding protein and wheat germ agglutinin were used.


RESULTS
Statistically significantly less lectin was associated with the apical membrane of surface epithelial cells of animals following hyperstimulation than in noninjected pregnant animals.


CONCLUSIONS
The reduction in the carbohydrates contributes to a reduced receptivity of the endometrium for the blastocyst.
Kramer
B
B
Department of General Anatomy, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
De Wet
G
G
D000818:Animals; D002241:Carbohydrates / Q000032:analysis; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000187:drug effects*; D037102:Lectins; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D013480:Superovulation
D002241:Carbohydrates; D006063:Chorionic Gonadotropin; D006023:Glycoproteins; D037102:Lectins; D011134:Polysaccharides; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone; D005293:Ferritins