[Expression of E-cadherin in human embryo].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the role of calcium dependent adhesion molecules (cadherin) during the implantation and development of human embryo by studying the expression of E-cadherin in human embryo and blastocysts.


METHODS
Expression of E-cadherin in preimplantation embryos and blastocysts was detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay and quantitated by laser scanning confocal microscopy.


RESULTS
Expression of E-cadherin was found in all the preimplantation embryos and blastocysts the present authors studied. The expression was higher in blastocysts than that in preimplantation embryos.


CONCLUSIONS
The above results suggested that human embryos and blastocysts could express E-cadherin and the expression increased during their development. These may be of significance to the adhesion and implantation of the human embryo and blastocysts.
Liu
Yun
Y
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, 350025 PR China. liuyun95@sina.com
Xing
Fu-qi
FQ
D001755:Blastocyst / Q000378:metabolism*; D015820:Cadherins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D010064:Embryo Implantation; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D019084:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect; D018507:Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D011247:Pregnancy
D015820:Cadherins