Paternal transcripts for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and adenosine deaminase are first detectable in the human preimplantation embryo at the three- to four-cell stage

The transition between dependence on maternal transcripts and proteins inherited in the oocyte and embryonic gene expression in the human preimplantation embryo occurs at the four- to eight-cell stage. Recently, studies using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) have detected paternal transcripts for the Y-linked genes, ZFY and SRY, and the myotonic dystrophy associated protein kinase gene, DK, as early as the late pronucleate one-cell stage. However, expression at the protein level has not been demonstrated and its function at these early stages is unknown. Using coding sequence polymorphisms to distinguish maternal and paternal transcripts, we have examined the transcription of two ubiquitously expressed genes: X-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA). Both G6PD and ADA are housekeeping genes with TATA-less promoters which, because of their roles in metabolism and ubiquitous expression, may provide a more reliable indication of the timing of activation of the embryonic genome. They also each have biallelic polymorphisms with a high heterozygosity ratio which can be detected by restriction digestion. Couples undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were screened for these polymorphisms. Individual spare oocytes and embryos at different stages of preimplantation development were analyzed by RT-PCR and appropriate restriction digestion in those cases in which the male partner carried a different allele to the female partner. In addition, since only female embryos inherit the paternal allele of X-linked G6PD, cDNA was also analyzed for ZFX/ZFY transcripts to identify the sex of each embryo. One hundred and twenty three individual oocytes and embryos were analyzed by RT-PCR and restriction digestion to detect the paternal transcripts from the polymorphic alleles. Maternal transcripts for G6PD, ADA, and ZFX were detected in all oocytes and embryos and at all stages. Following restriction digestion, paternal G6PD and ZFY transcripts were first detected at the four-cell stage and paternal ADA transcripts in an embryo at the three-cell stage coinciding with the onset of dependency on transcription from the embryonic genome. This approach should be widely applicable to other genes since similar polymorphisms exist in the coding regions of many genes.

Differences in the expression of cytochromes P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase and aromatase in Meishan and Yorkshire conceptuses at days 10.5-14.0 of gestation

The expression of cytochromes P450 17 alpha-hydroxylase (P450c17) and aromatase (P450arom) was compared between preimplantation Chinese Meishan and domestic Yorkshire conceptuses during the period encompassing maternal recognition of pregnancy. Individual conceptuses were recovered on days 10.5, 11.0, 11.5, 12.0, and 14.0 of gestation. Diameter (spherical blastocysts), length (elongated blastocysts), DNA, protein and oestradiol content, as well as the amounts of P450c17 and P450arom (western analysis) were determined in individual conceptuses. Comparisons were made only between conceptuses of similar diameters on each day which restricted analyses to blastocysts 6 mm or less in diameter on days 10.5-12.0. Nonetheless, both DNA and protein content were greater in Yorkshire than in Meishan conceptuses. Oestradiol content also tended to be greater in Yorkshire than in Meishan conceptuses across days. A significant effect of breed and breed by day interaction was detected for P450c17. Expression of P450c17 in Yorkshire conceptuses increased markedly above that in Meishan conceptuses by day 11, remained high until day 11.5 and returned to values similar to those of Meishans by day 12. The expression of P450arom was also greater in Yorkshire than in Meishan conceptuses, but no breed by day interaction was detected. These data suggest that differences in development between Meishan and Yorkshire conceptuses include trophoblastic differentiation during preattachment stages. The significance and impact of this divergence in development on subsequent growth and survival remains to be determined.

Nuclear translocation and carboxyl-terminal domain phosphorylation of RNA polymerase II delineate the two phases of zygotic gene activation in mammalian embryos

In mammalian embryos, zygotic gene transcription initiates after a limited number of cell divisions through a two-step process termed the zygotic gene activation (ZGA). Here we report that RNA polymerase II undergoes major changes in mouse and rabbit preimplantation embryos during the ZGA. In transcriptionally inactive unfertilized oocytes, the RNA polymerase II largest subunit is predominantly hyperphosphorylated on its carboxy-terminal domain (CTD). The CTD is markedly dephosphorylated several hours after fertilization, before the onset of a period characterized by a weak transcriptional activity. The largest subunit of RNA polymerase II then lacks immunological and drug-sensitivity characteristics related to its phosphorylation by the TFIIH-associated kinase and gradually translocates into the nuclei independently of DNA replication and mitosis. A phosphorylation pattern of the largest subunit, close to that observed in somatic cells, is established in both mouse and rabbit embryos at the stage when transcription becomes a requirement for further development (respectively at the 2- and 8/16-cell stage). As these events occurred in the presence of actinomycin D, the nuclear translocation of RNA polymerase II and the phosphorylation of the CTD might be major determinants of ZGA.

The SpHE gene is downregulated in sea urchin late blastulae despite persistence of multiple positive factors sufficient to activate its promoter

Previous studies of the regulatory region of the SpHE (hatching enzyme) gene of the sea urchin Strongylocentrotus purpuratus (Wei, Z., Angerer, L.M., Gagnon, M.L. and Angerer, R.C. (1995) Characterization of the SpHE promoter that are spatially regulated along the animal-vegetal axis of the sea urchin embryo. Dev. Biol. 171, 195-211) have shown that approximately 330 bp is necessary and sufficient to promote high level expression in embryos of transgenes that reproduce the spatially asymmetric pattern of endogenous gene activity along the maternally determined animal-vegetal embryonic axis. Furthermore, SpHE regulatory elements appear to be redundant since several different combinations are sufficient to elicit strong promoter activity and many subsets function like the endogenous gene only in non-vegetal cells of the blastula (Wei, Z., Angerer, L.M. and Angerer, R.C. (1997) Multiple positive cis-elements regulate the asymmetric expression of the SpHE gene along the sea urchin embryo animal-vegetal axis. Dev. Biol., 187, 71-88). Here we demonstrate by in vivo footprinting that many cis elements on the endogenous promoter are occupied when the gene is active in early blastulae, but the binding of corresponding trans factors is significantly reduced when the gene becomes inactive in late blastulae. In addition, downregulation of the promoter is accompanied by a transition from a non-nucleosomal to a nucleosome-like chromatin structure. Surprisingly, in vitro DNase I footprints of the 300 bp promoter using nuclear protein extracts from early and late blastulae are not detectably different and neither this sequence, nor a longer one extending to -1255, reproduces the loss of endogenous SpHE transcriptional activity after very early blastula stage. These observations imply that temporal repression of SpHE transcription involves a decrease in accessibility of the promoter to activators that are nevertheless present in nuclei and capable of activating transgene promoters. Temporal, but not spatial, downregulation is therefore likely to be regulated by negative activities functioning outside the -1255 promoter region which may serve as direct repressors or mediate an inactive chromatin structure.

Evidence for the presence of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase alpha1 and beta1 subunit isoforms and their probable role in blastocyst expansion in the preattachment horse conceptus

The unusual hypotonicity of equine blastocyst fluid has prompted us to investigate the role of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase (Na+,K+-ATPase) in the process of fluid accumulation in the horse conceptus. Nine mares were used for the experiments. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was conducted on two sets of five conceptuses recovered between 12 and 28 days (+/- 1 day) after ovulation. Messenger RNAs encoding the alpha1 and beta1 subunit isoforms of Na+,K+-ATPase were detected in all embryonic tissues examined. Western blot analysis showed that alpha1 and beta1 subunits are both present in Day 15 conceptuses. Trophoblast tissues from 19 conceptuses between 8 and 31 days after ovulation were stained immunohistochemically using primary antibodies against the alpha1 and beta1 subunit isoforms of the Na+,K+-ATPase. Both isoforms were detected in all sections. Trophoblastic vesicles, prepared from 6 conceptuses between 12 and 14 days after ovulation, were used to investigate the inhibition of blastocyst expansion with ouabain after collapse induced with cytochalasin D. In normal medium there was a mean 3-fold increase, and in ouabain (10(-6) M) a mean 3-fold decrease, in the volume of vesicles that had been partially collapsed with cytochalasin D. We therefore conclude that, despite the hypotonicity of the blastocyst fluid in the early horse conceptus, the Na+,K+-ATPase plays a role in its accumulation, as in other species.

CTP:phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase activity in the preimplantation mouse embryo

Cytidine 5'-triphosphate (CTP):phosphocholine cytidylyltransferase (EC 2.7.7.15) catalyses the synthesis of the active metabolic intermediate cytidine diphosphocholine (which is mainly used in the synthesis of choline-containing phospholipids). It is a rate-limiting reaction in choline phospholipid biosynthesis in many cells. In this study, a microassay is reported for the detection of this enzyme in small numbers of cells. This enzyme was present in mouse oocytes and at all stages during preimplantation development. Enzyme activity was destroyed by boiling but increased with time and number of embryos in the reaction. Activity in two-cell embryos was dependent on Mg2+ but independent of Ca2+ and was enhanced by the addition of 1 microgram lysophosphatidylethanolamine ml-1 to the reaction mixture. Activity was apparently dependent upon the phosphorylation status of the enzyme since the absence of the phosphatase inhibitor NaF caused a significant inhibition of activity. The enzyme in oocytes had a specific activity of 2.8 +/- 0.3 fmol cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP-choline) per oocyte min-1 (mean +/- SEM). The specific activity in two-cell and eight-cell embryos and blastocysts was not different from that of oocytes. Fertilized one-cell embryos had significantly less activity (1.4 +/- 0.05 fmol CDP-choline produced per embryo min-1) than other stages studied. Furthermore, the enzyme present in one-cell embryos was not capable of being further activated by the addition of exogenous lysophosphatidylethanolamine to the reaction. The increase in activity from the one-cell to the two-cell stage was not inhibited by alpha-amanitin (an inhibitor of RNA polymerase II), cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor) [1-(5-isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, HCl]dihydrochloride (H-7; a protein kinase inhibitor) and was independent of cell-cycle progression; these results suggest that enzyme activity is independent of transcription, protein synthesis and the action of some kinases, including cell-cycle-dependent kinases. This study provides the first description of cytidylyltransferase in the early mammalian embryo.

Cloning of mouse 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, and analysing expression of the mRNAs for types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 in mouse embryos and adult tissues

17beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17HSDs) are responsible for the conversion of low-activity sex steroids to more potent forms, and vice versa. 17HSD activity is essential for the biosynthesis of sex steroids in the gonads, and it is also one of the key factors regulating the availability of active ligands for sex-steroid receptors in various extragonadal tissues. In this study, we have characterized mouse 17HSD type 2 cDNA, and analysed the relative expression of 17HSD types 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mRNAs in mouse embryos and adult male and female tissues. The cDNA characterized has a open reading frame of 1146 bp, and encodes a protein of 381 amino acids with a predicted molecular mass of 41837 kDa. Northern-blot analysis of adult mouse tissues revealed that, of the different 17HSDs, the type 2 enzyme is most abundantly expressed. High expression of the enzyme, which oxidizes both testosterone and oestradiol, in several large organs of both sexes indicates that it is the isoform having the most substantial role in the metabolism of sex steroids. Interestingly, four of the five 17HSD enzymes were also detected by Northern blots of whole mouse embryos, and each of the enzymes showed a unique pattern of expression. The oestradiol-synthesizing type 1 enzyme predominates in early days of development embryonic day 7, but after that the oxidative type 2 enzyme becomes the predominant form of all 17HSDs. The data therefore suggest that there is transient oestradiol production in the early days of embryonic development, after which inactivation of sex steroids predominates in the fetus and placenta.

Immunocytochemical detection and spatial distribution of myosin light-chain kinase in preimplantation mouse embryos

As a follow-up to our previous study on the role of myosin light-chain kinase (MLCK), a Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent enzyme, in the development of preimplantation mouse embryos, we examined the presence and pattern of distribution of MLCK during preimplantation development of the mouse by whole-mount, indirect immunocytochemistry and by Western blotting, using a monoclonal antibody against MLCK. At all stages of preimplantation development, the nucleus was brightly stained with an unstained region around the nucleus, and regions near the cell membrane were also brightly stained. Using the optical sectioning capability of the confocal laser scanning microscope, we found that, up to the eight-cell stage, the regions of cell contact were mostly unstained, but along with the process of compaction, cell contact regions showed a clear staining pattern along with clearing of the cytoplasm. During formation of the blastocyst, a ring of immunofluorescence was found at the margin of the blastocoel. In the blastocyst, cells of the inner cell mass were less immunofluorescent than trophectoderm cells. These staining results appear to be due to specific immunoreaction between MLCK and the antibody, because the staining patterns were abolished when the antibody was preabsorbed by MLCK purified from chicken gizzard smooth muscle. In Western blotting of blastocysts, we found a band at 130 kD. We also show by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry of various mouse tissues that the antibody used in this study has cross-reactivity to MLCK of various muscle and non-muscle tissues of the mouse. The presence and spatial distribution of MLCK at various stages of preimplantation development of the mouse suggest that it could play a crucial role in the regulation of the contractile events involved in the initial differentiation that occurs during formation of the mouse blastocyst.

Quantification of hexokinase mRNA in mouse blastocysts by competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction

Hexokinase (HX), the enzyme that catalyses the initial reaction in glycolysis, is an important enzyme in glucose metabolism during human and mouse embryonic development. In our previous investigations of the genetic activities of HX, we observed an increased incidence of HX gene expression in blastocysts in comparison with morulae, and variability in the incidence of HX gene expression between embryos at the same developmental stages. These observations prompted us to quantify HX mRNA in mouse blastocysts to define the biological significance of the variable gene transcription. We modified our qualitative reverse transcription-nested polymerase chain reaction (RT-nPCR) assay for HX mRNA in single or groups of embryos to quantify HX mRNA by competitive RT-nPCR. HX mRNA was quantified in cohorts of mouse blastocysts cultured in glucose/phosphate-containing human tubal fluid (HTF) media. These blastocysts expressed HX in minute amounts, averaging 1.95 x 10(-18) g of mRNA. This is the first attempt at quantification of single gene mRNA in preimplantation embryos. Further investigations using similar techniques will enable comparative analyses between embryos to be performed to determine the correlation between specific levels of HX mRNA transcripts in individual embryos and embryonic viability and competence for further development and implantation.

Genetic expression of hexokinase and glucose phosphate isomerase in late-stage mouse preimplantation embryos: transcription activities in glucose/phosphate-containing HTF and glucose/phosphate-free P1 media

In mouse and human preimplantation development, pyruvate is consumed preferentially during early embryogenesis; however, during the morula and blastocyst stages, glucose is the preferred energy substrate. Studies have suggested that the glycolytic enzymes, hexokinase and glucose phosphate isomerase, are important enzymes in glucose metabolism during these later stages of human and mouse preimplantation development. In order to investigate the genetic activities of these enzymes in late-stage mouse embryos developing in vitro, we analysed hexokinase and glucose phosphate isomerase transcription activities by qualitative RNA assays using reverse transcriptase-nested polymerase chain reaction amplification of individual mouse morulae and early blastocysts incubated in glucose/phosphate-free preimplantation stage one (P1) medium and glucose/phosphate-containing human tubal fluid (HTF) medium. We observed an increased incidence of hexokinase transcripts in the population of blastocysts compared with morulae, and differences in transcript incidence between early blastocysts developing in HTF medium and in P1 medium. In contrast, glucose phosphate isomerase transcripts were consistantly present in all embryos analysed, and appear to be constitutively expressed during late-stage mouse embryogenesis. The different activity patterns of the two glycolytic genes may reflect different mechanisms of gene regulation or differential transcript stability during the later stages of mouse preimplantation development.

A developmental switch in expression from blastocyst to endometrial/placental-type cytochrome P450 aromatase genes in the pig and horse

Pig blastocysts exhibit a transient period of estrogen production at periimplantation, with a second, more sustained period of estrogen synthesis occurring in endometrium and placenta at later pregnancy. Previously we reported the isolation of cDNA clones encoding a novel isoform of cytochrome P450 aromatase (the terminal enzyme in the estrogen biosynthetic pathway) from porcine periimplantation blastocysts. The present study investigated pregnancy-associated expression, in blastocysts and maternal reproductive tract tissues of this and an additional mRNA transcript encoding a distinct P450 aromatase isoform. Restriction endonuclease and nucleotide sequence analyses of 44 cDNA clones demonstrated that the major aromatase mRNA in periimplantation blastocysts and early-pregnancy endometrium and placenta (blastocyst-type) differed in sequence from the major aromatase mRNA expressed in endometrium and placenta at midpregnancy (endometrial-type). The deduced blastocyst and endometrial aromatase isoform protein sequences had 93% similarity. A third type of aromatase mRNA, deleted in exons 4-6 sequences, also was cloned from blastocysts. This cDNA was identical in nucleotide sequence to the blastocyst full-length aromatase cDNA and specified an open reading frame of 354 amino acids for a putative aromatase-related protein containing the heme-binding domain. Expression of this shorter mRNA in blastocysts was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The 5'-untranslated exon sequences in the transcripts encoding the blastocyst-type aromatase isoform were distinct from that of the endometrial type, consistent with differential expression of multiple chromosomal genes. In periimplantation equine embryos, however, embryonic and placental 5'-untranslated exon-containing transcripts were coexpressed. Results identify an aromatase isoform expressed in the endometrium and placenta at midpregnancy, demonstrate a transition in synthesis of aromatase isoform-specific mRNAs during placental development, and suggest the preferential involvement of the blastocyst aromatase isoform in synthesis of estrogenic molecules that may function in embryo-maternal signaling at periimplantation.

Localization of MAP kinase activity in early Xenopus embryos: implications for endogenous FGF signaling

We have used a sensitive assay for MAP kinase activity to investigate the role of endogenous fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-activated MAP kinase in early Xenopus embryonic patterning. MAP kinase activity is low during cleavage stages and increases significantly during gastrulation. The temporal profile of this activity correlates well with the expression pattern of Xenopus eFGF. Spatially, MAP kinase activity is lowest in animal pole tissue and higher in vegetal pole cells and the marginal zone. Endogenous MAP kinase activity is FGF receptor-dependent, demonstrating that FGF signaling is active in all three germ layers of the early embryo. This activity is necessary for normal expression of Mix.1, a mesoendodermal marker, in the endoderm as well as in the mesoderm, indicating that MAP kinase plays a functional role in patterning of both of these germ layers. Spatial and temporal changes in MAP kinase activation during gastrulation also suggest a role for FGF signaling in this process. In addition, we find that embryonic wounding during dissection results in significant stimulation of this pathway, providing a possible explanation for earlier observations of effects of surgical manipulation on cell fate in early embryos.

Expression and activity of hexokinase in the early mouse embryo

The maximal activity and Michaelis constant, KM, of hexokinase have been measured in the peri-implantation mouse embryo using an ultramicrofluorescence technique. In addition, transcript detection of the predominant isoenzyme hexokinase I has been determined in single preimplantation mouse embryos at successive stages of development using reverse transcriptase-mediated cDNA amplification. Maximal hexokinase activity decreased dramatically peri-implantation, from 0.97 +/- 0.19 nmol/microgram protein/h at the blastocyst stage to 0.31 +/- 0.05 nmol/microgram protein/h on day 6.5. The KM remained relatively low and constant over this period (0.23-0.39 mM), indicating the absence of the hexokinase type IV isoenzyme. The pattern of hexokinase activity resembled that of glucose consumption suggesting a possible regulatory role for the enzyme during this period of development. Hexokinase I mRNA was detected in the oocyte and all preimplantation stages of development. The blastocyst polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product, when cloned and sequenced was found to be 98% homologous with mouse tumour hexokinase I. Taken together, these data suggest that the hexokinase gene is not under transcriptional control during early mouse embryo development but plays a significant role in the regulation of glucose consumption. A role for hexokinase in the phosphate-induced inhibition of early embryo development is also proposed.

Matrix metalloproteinase expression during mouse peri-implantation development

PROBLEM

The purpose of this study was to define the temporal expression and to quantitate the mRNA levels of collagenase, 72 kDa, 92 kDa, and membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy in the mouse uterus. Embryonic expression of 72 kDa and 92 kDa matrix metalloproteinases, as well as interleukin 1 alpha, was also investigated.

METHODS

Uterine matrix metalloproteinases were detected using gelatin substrate gel electrophoresis (zymography) and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction methodology was used to detect and quantitate different mRNA species in the mouse uterus and blastocyst.

RESULTS

Collagenase, 72 kDa, and 92 kDa matrix metalloproteinases are developmentally regulated during the peri-implantation period of pregnancy, but membrane-type matrix metalloproteinase appears to be expressed constitutively. Matrix metalloproteinase mRNA levels have been quantitated and confirm the observed developmental expression patterns. Prominent expression of bot 92 kDa matrix metalloproteinase and interleukin 1 alpha was observed in blastocysts during outgrowth while weak expression of the 72 kDa matrix metalloproteinase was detected.

CONCLUSIONS

The date provide evidence of matrix metalloproteinase expression in vivo and substantiate their potential role in tissue remodeling prior to and during blastocyst implantation. Expression of interleukin 1 alpha, 92 kDa, and 72 kDa matrix metalloproteinases suggests that these proteins are important for trophoblast invasion associated with implantation of the early embryo.

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural localization of prostaglandin H synthase in the preimplantation mouse embryo

The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural localization of prostaglandin H synthase (PGH synthase) was studied in the Albino Swiss CF-1 mouse at different stages of embryonic development (two-cell stage, four-eight cell stage, morula and blastocyst). Flushed embryos and sections of uteri and oviducts containing embryos were treated with a mouse IgG monoclonal anti-PGH synthase antibody. The second antibody (rabbit anti-mouse) was conjugated with peroxidase or fluorescein isothiocyanate for light microscopy, fluorescence microscopy and confocal scanning. For reflection contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy a second antibody, goat anti-mouse, was conjugated with ultrasmall gold particles. Controls without anti-PGH synthase were used concurrently. All embryos demonstrated PGH synthase reactivity. Immunostaining appeared to be more intense at the two-cell stage, four-eight cell stage embryos and morulae than in blastocysts. Further examination indicated an intracytoplasmic location for PGH synthase, which was confirmed by stereoscopic photographs made during confocal scanning microscopy and by the immunostaining patterns observed with reflection contrast microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy immunostaining patterns support the localization of PGH synthase in the endoplasmic reticulum. This is the first demonstration of the ultrastructural localization of PGH synthase in the mouse embryo. Its presence before the apposition with the endometrial epithelium supports the hypothesis that arachidonic acid metabolism via the PGH synthase pathway may be crucial for implantation.

Alterations of intraembryonic metabolites in preimplantation mouse embryos exposed to elevated concentrations of glucose: a metabolic explanation for the developmental retardation seen in preimplantation embryos from diabetic animals

Preimplantation mouse embryos exposed to hyperglycemia, whether in vivo or in vitro, experience delayed development from the 2-cell to blastocyst stage. By comparing metabolites from embryos exposed to high vs. normal glucose conditions, a metabolic explanation for the delayed growth pattern was sought. Fertilized 1-cell embryos obtained from superovulated B5 x CBA F1 mice were cultured for 96 h in medium containing 2.8 mM glucose (C) or in medium with added glucose to give 10 mM, 30 mM, or 52 mM glucose (HG). After incubation, each embryo was quick-frozen and freeze-dried. Metabolites were assayed by the ultramicrofluorometric technique and enzymatic cycling to obtain measurable levels in single embryos. Embryos cultured in HG exhibited 7-fold higher intracellular glucose levels than those cultured in C (C: 2.25 +/- 0.6 vs. HG: 16.61 +/- 2.4 mmol/kg wet weight; p < 0.001; C, n = 9; HG, n = 16). This accumulation of glucose was dose-related and stage-dependent. Citrate (C: 1.07 +/- 0.14 vs. HG: 1.98 +/- 0.12; p < 0.001), sorbitol (C: 0.41 +/- 0.06 vs. HG: 0.57 +/- 0.03; p < 0.01), malate (C: 0.81 +/- 0.13 vs. HG: 1.72 +/- 0.17; p < 0.001), and fructose (C: 2.1 +/- 0.3 vs. HG: 5.3 +/- 0.6; p < 0.001) were all significantly higher in HG. Also, these metabolites were highest in the most delayed embryos. Glycogen and 6-phosphogluconate levels were not significantly different. In conclusion, intraembryonic levels of glucose, and polyol pathway and Krebs cycle metabolites are elevated and correspond to the degree of developmental delay. These findings suggest that a metabolic abnormality may be responsible for retarded development experienced by embryos exposed to high glucose.

Expression and function of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors at the maternal-embryonic boundary during mouse embryo implantation

Gelatinase B, a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) of high specific activity, is highly expressed and activated by mouse blastocysts in culture, and inhibition of this enzyme activity inhibits lysis of extracellular matrix (Behrendtsen, O., Alexander, C. M. and Werb, Z. (1992) Development 114, 447–456). Because gelatinase B expression is linked to invasive potential, we studied the expression of gelatinase B mRNA and protein in vivo, in implanting trophoblast giant cells, and found that it was expressed and activated during colonization of the maternal decidua. mRNAs for several other MMPs (stromelysin-1, stromelysin-3 and gelatinase A) and MMP inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2) were expressed in the undifferentiated stroma toward the outside of the decidua, and TIMP-3 mRNA was expressed in primary and some mature decidual cells during their differentiation. Both mRNA and TIMP-3 protein were present at high concentrations transiently, and declined from 6.5 days post coitum onward, as the cells underwent apoptosis during the main period of gelatinase B expression and ectoplacental growth and expansion. To assess the function of MMPs during implantation and decidual development, we either injected a peptide hydroxamate MMP inhibitor into normal mice or studied transgenic mice overexpressing TIMP-1. In both cases, decidual length and overall size were reduced, and the embryo was displaced mesometrially. Embryo orientation was less strictly regulated in inhibitor-treated deciduae than in control deciduae. Morphogenesis and development of oil-induced deciduomas were also slowed in the presence of the inhibitor. We conclude that administration of MMP inhibitors retards decidual remodeling and growth, and we suggest that the MMPs expressed in precursor stromal cells promote their differentiation and expansion.

Developmental expression of the cyclo-oxygenase-1 and cyclo-oxygenase-2 genes in the peri-implantation mouse uterus and their differential regulation by the blastocyst and ovarian steroids

Cyclo-oxygenase (COX) is a rate-limiting enzyme that converts arachidonic acid to prostaglandins (PGs) and exists in two isoforms, COX-1 and COX-2. In the rodent, increased uterine vascular permeability at sites of blastocyst apposition is one of the earliest prerequisite events in the implantation process. This event is preceded by generalized uterine edema and luminal closure, and coincides with the initial attachment reaction between the trophectoderm and luminal epithelium. Vasoactive PGs are implicated in these processes. Here we demonstrate that COX genes are differentially regulated in the peri-implantation mouse uterus. During the preimplantation period (days 1-4), the COX-1 gene was expressed in the uterine epithelium mainly on day 4 until the initiation of attachment reaction in the evening after which the expression was downregulated. This COX-1 expression coincides with the generalized uterine edema required for luminal closure. In contrast, the COX-2 gene was expressed in the luminal epithelium and subepithelial stromal cells at the anti-mesometrial pole exclusively surrounding the blastocyst at the time of attachment reaction on day 4 and persisted through the morning of day 5. This uterine gene was not expressed at the sites of blastocyst apposition during progesterone (P(4))-treated delayed implantation, but was readily induced in the uterus surrounding the activated blastocysts after termination of the delay by estradiol-17beta (E(2)). The results suggest that PG synthesis catalyzed by COX-2 is important for localized increased uterine vascular permeability and attachment reaction. The COX-1 gene that was downregulated from the time of attachment reaction on day 4 was again expressed in the mesometrial and anti-mesometrial secondary decidual beds on days 7 and 8. These results suggest that PGs generated by COX-1 are involved in decidualization and/or continued localized endometrial vascular permeability observed during this period. In contrast, the COX-2 gene, expressed at the anti-mesometrial pole on days 4 and 5, switched its expression to the mesometrial pole from day 6 onward. These results suggest that PGs produced at this site by COX-2 are involved in angiogenesis for the establishment of placenta. In the ovariectomized mice, the COX-1 gene was induced in the epithelium by a combined treatment with P(4) and E(2). However, P(4) and/or E(2) treatments failed to influence the uterine COX-2 gene. Overall, the results suggest that the uterine COX-1 gene is influenced by ovarian steroids, while the COX-2 gene is regulated by the implanting blastocyst during early pregnancy.

Expression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator in human preimplantation embryos

During embryo implantation in the human trophoblast cells invade the endometrium and plasminogen activators (PA) are implicated in this tissue invasion process. Our studies on surplus embryos from patients undergoing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments showed that PA activity was present in secretions of blastocysts but not embryos at the 2-4-cell stage. The secretion of this PA activity by blastocysts was increased by the addition of epidermal growth factor (EGF) to the embryo cultures. This PA activity had a molecular weight similar to that of urokinase-type PA (uPA). The mRNA for uPA was present in blastocysts, as determined by the reverse-transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. These data indicate that uPA is produced by human preimplantation embryos and may play a role in early human development and embryo implantation.

The effect of ethanol upon early development in mice and rats. XXIII. The effect of indomethacin on beer-induced disturbances of preimplantation development in rats

The effect of Indomethacin on beer-induced modifications of preimplantation development was investigated in rats (control on day 5 of pregnancy), using the following criteria: the mean number of embryos/animal, topographical distribution of embryos, the developmental stage attained, the appearance of pathological forms, the mean cell number/embryo. It resulted that previous administration of Indomethacin antagonized the main deleterious effect of repeated acute administration of beer in the preimplantation period, supporting the hypothesis of prostaglandins (PG) being involved in the pathogenetic action of this alcoholic beverage.

Development of immortalized endometrial epithelial and stromal cell lines from the mink (Mustela vison) uterus and their effects on the survival in vitro of mink blastocysts in obligate diapause

Mink endometrial cell lines were established by stable transfection of a plasmid vector encoding the SV40 large T antigen driven by the human beta-actin promoter. A second plasmid vector, pSV2neo, was employed for selection of transfected cells. Specificity and homogeneity of consequent cell lines were evaluated by immunocytochemistry employing antibodies against cytokeratin, desmin, and vimentin. Cytokeratin was found exclusively in epithelial cells, whereas vimentin appeared primarily in stromal cells. Neither cell line showed detectable desmin activity. These cell lines along with Buffalo rat liver (BRL) cells were employed in coculture with mink embryos in obligate diapause. Mink stromal and BRL cell lines were most effective in enhancing embryo survival in vitro. The percentages of cocultured embryos that survived for 72 h or more were 65% with epithelial cells, 75% with stromal cells, 68% with the combination of stromal and epithelial cells, and 93% with BRL cells. Only 23% of the embryos cultured without cells survived beyond 48 h. Embryo growth was also observed; some embryos in coculture showed trophoblastic outgrowth and adhesion to the cell surfaces. These results demonstrate that mink embryos in obligate delay can survive and develop in culture and that coculture with uterine or BRL cells increases the length and frequency of survival.

Cloning of a Xenopus laevis cDNA encoding focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and expression during early development

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a widely produced nonreceptor protein-tyrosine kinase thought to participate in signalling pathways activated in response to cell interaction with the extracellular matrix. Fibronectin-dependent cell adhesion mediated by integrin receptors plays a critical role in mesodermal cell migration during amphibian gastrulation in early development. As a first step toward understanding the role of FAK in Xenopus laevis (Xl) early development, we isolated cDNAs encoding Xl FAK and deduced the entire amino acid (aa) sequence. Xl FAK has 89-91% overall identity to the homologs previously described from mouse, human and chicken sources. Within the catalytic domain, the aa identity is about 97%. Northern blot analysis revealed that abundant maternal FAK transcript is present in Xl eggs, with levels decreasing slightly through cleavage and early blastula stages. At early gastrulation, the FAK mRNA level becomes modestly elevated, followed by a steady decline through late gastrulation. The mRNA level undergoes a further drop at the neurula stage, then begins a steady increase through the tailbud and tadpole stages. These data indicate that the steady-state level of FAK mRNA is regulated during Xl early development, and are consistent with a proposed role for FAK in the process of gastrulation.

Nonmitochondrial oxygen utilization by rabbit blastocysts and surface production of superoxide radicals

A minimum value for nonmitochondrial oxygen utilization in rabbit blastocysts at day 6 post coitum was determined by measuring oxygen consumption in the presence of cyanide. A microcathode oxygen electrode was used to monitor oxygen concentration continuously during blastocyst incubation in a newly devised culture medium, and the uninhibited blastocyst was found to consume 2.79 +/- 0.09 microliters O2 h-1 cm-2. This rate was reduced by 51% in the presence of 1 mmol KCN l-1. The addition of nitroblue tetrazolium to the cyanide-containing medium reduced net oxygen consumption by an additional 23% as the nitroblue tetrazolium was reduced to formazan. The ability of rabbit blastocysts to reduce nitroblue tetrazolium in the presence of cyanide was investigated using a spectrophotometric assay. Fractionation of blastocyst cells revealed that the enzymatic activity chiefly responsible for formazan production partitioned with the membrane/particulate fraction and could be solubilized by the detergent NP40. The enzyme was NAD(P)H-dependent, did not require divalent cations for activity, and appeared to contain no haeme moiety. The rate of formazan production in the spectrophotometric assay was markedly reduced by the presence of superoxide dismutase. The oxygen electrode and spectrophotometer data indicate that there is a superoxide-generating NAD(P)H oxidase on the blastocyst surface. Calculations based on the average surface area of rabbit blastocysts at day 6 show that these embryos can produce at least 8 nmoles of superoxide per embryo h-1. Potential deciduogenic effects of blastocyst-derived superoxide and its dismutated product, hydrogen peroxide, are discussed.

DNA methyltransferase activity in the early stages of a sea urchin embryo. Evidence of differential control

The specific activity of DNA methyltransferase increases in the nuclei of Sphaerechinus granularis sea urchin embryos at increasing stages of development. The activity reaches maximal value at about 20 h of growth, when embryos are at the mesenchyme blastula stage, then abruptly decreases and is essentially zero at about 35 h of development, when embryos are at the early gastrula stage. Both the increase and the drop of the activity are faster than embryonic cell duplication indicating that the enzyme is under strict control during development and that, in the more advanced embryo, a mechanism is activated to specifically block its activity.