Expression of the alphav integrin adhesion molecule during development of preimplantation human embryos.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression of alphav integrin in developing human embryos.


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
University medical center.


METHODS
Women undergoing IVF cycles.


METHODS
Immunofluorescent monoclonal antibodies against alphav integrin were used to stain human preimplantation embryos.


METHODS
Immunofluorescence microscopy and computerized image analysis were used to evaluate both qualitative and quantitative expression of integrins in human embryos.


RESULTS
The alphav integrin subunit was found to be expressed in human embryos throughout their development (from two-cell stage up to blastocyst). The expression of alphav integrin subunit gradually increased throughout embryo development as measured quantitatively by image analysis.


CONCLUSIONS
The expression of alphav integrin subunit throughout the development of preimplantation human embryos reinforces the concept of a role for integrins in the process of implantation.
Dubey
A K
AK
Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Fertility, and IVF Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.
Cruz
J R
JR
Hartog
B
B
Gindoff
P R
PR
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000378:metabolism*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000502:physiology*; D047108:Embryonic Development / Q000502:physiology*; D005314:Embryonic and Fetal Development / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D039564:Integrin alphaV; D011247:Pregnancy
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015703:Antigens, CD; D039564:Integrin alphaV