Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in human preimplantation embryos derived from tripronuclear zygotes.
OBJECTIVE
To detect the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA and/or secretion of VEGF protein by human preimplantation embryos.


METHODS
Human preimplantation embryos not suitable for uterine transfer were examined for beta-actin and VEGF mRNA expression. Culture media from normally fertilized and developing preimplantation embryos were assessed for VEGF protein secretion.


METHODS
Clinics and academic research laboratories at the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Stanford University, Palo Alto, California and the Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.


METHODS
Couples undergoing IVF by intracytoplasmic sperm injection for various reasons.


METHODS
Six unfertilized oocytes and 33 pathologically fertilized (tripronucleic, 3PN) preimplantation embryos were examined for VEGF mRNA expression, and 16 embryos were examined for VEGF protein secretion.


METHODS
Embryonic expression of VEGF mRNA and VEGF protein as determined by reverse transcription (RT)/nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and ELISA.


RESULTS
VEGF mRNA and protein could not be detected in unfertilized oocytes. However, 30/33 preimplantation embryos did express VEGF mRNA (11/12 10-to-16-cell embryos, 3/4 morulae, 11/12 early blastocysts, 5/5 hatched blastocysts). The VEGF protein level was below the sensitivity of the ELISA.


CONCLUSIONS
Production of VEGF may give the embryo the ability to induce neoangiogenesis at the implantation site, thus creating an environment necessary for its survival.
Krüssel
J
J
Reproductive Immunology Laboratory, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University Medical Center, California, Palo Alto, USA. kruessel@uni.duesseldorf.de
Behr
B
B
Hirchenhain
J
J
Wen
Y
Y
Milki
A A
AA
Cupisti
S
S
Bielfeld
P
P
Polan
M L
ML
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008222:Lymphokines / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors; D015053:Zygote / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure*
D016228:Endothelial Growth Factors; D008222:Lymphokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D042442:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors