Background
Integrins are heterodimeric glycoprotein receptors that regulate the interaction of cells with extracellular matrix and may have a critical role in implantation. The
Conclusion
The implantation rate in superovulated mice was significantly lower than control mice. It was suggested that ovulation induction decreased the expression of αv, β1, and β3 integrins of mouse blastocysts.
Methods
The ovarian stimulated and non-stimulated pregnant mice were sacrificed on the morning of 5th day of pregnancy. The blastocysts were collected, and the expression of αv, α4, β1, and β3 integrins was examined using real-time RT-PCR and immunocytochemical techniques, then their ovarian hormones were analyzed at the same time. The implantation sites in uterine horns of other pregnant mice in both groups were determined under a stereomicroscope on the 7th day of pregnancy.
Results
The results showed that the expression of αv, β1, and β3 integrins in both mRNA and protein levels was significantly lower in the ovarian stimulated group than the control group, and the maximum ratio of expression was belonged to β1 molecule (P>0.05).