Embryonic platelet activating factor production in the rabbit increases during the preimplantation phase.
OBJECTIVE
This study measured platelet activating factor (PAF) production by rabbit embryos in vitro and ascertained if there is increased PAF production associated with advancing embryonic development.


METHODS
Two-cell rabbit embryos were recovered from superovulated New Zealand White does and cultured in vitro for 96 hr. Every 24 hr embryos were scored for developmental stage and PAF activity from the corresponding culture medium was measured by platelet aggregation and organic phosphate analyses.


RESULTS
PAF was detected in culture medium at all stages from two cells to blastocysts and rose significantly (P < 0.001) at each 24-hr interval, reaching maximal levels at the expanded blastocyst stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Maximal PAF production by expanded blastocysts may be an embryonic paracrine signal that facilitates implantation.
Minhas
B S
BS
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tennessee, Memphis 38163.
Zhu
Y P
YP
Kim
H N
HN
Burwinkel
T H
TH
Ripps
B A
BA
Buster
J E
JE
D000818:Animals; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D010972:Platelet Activating Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011817:Rabbits
D010972:Platelet Activating Factor