Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor is seen on the extracellular surface of uterine epithelial cells only after the initial stages of blastocyst attachment.
The presence and distribution of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor in rat uterine epithelial cells was determined immunohistochemically and localized ultrastructurally. Rat uterine tissue was examined on days 1, 3, 6 and 8 of pregnancy and it was found that while presence of this growth factor was evident from day 1, spatial reorganization occurred by the time of blastocyst implantation. Strong apical staining was evident from day 6 to day 8, day 6 being the approximate time of blastocyst implantation. Electron microscopy further revealed that this growth factor while shown to be expressed very strongly apically from day 6, actually localized on the plasma membrane only after attachment of the blastocyst. This suggests that heparin-binding epidermal growth factor is not involved in the initial stages of implantation but is more likely involved in the post attachment stages of pregnancy.
Isaacs
Jacqueline
J
Department of Anatomy & Histology, F13, The University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
Murphy
Christopher R
CR
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005110:Extracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011247:Pregnancy; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000648:ultrastructure
C587885:Hbegf protein, rat; D066257:Heparin-binding EGF-like Growth Factor; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor