Progesterone supplementation extends uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation in mice

Reproduction. 2007 Feb;133(2):487-93. doi: 10.1530/REP-06-0330.

Abstract

We previously showed that blastocyst can initiate implantation beyond the normal 'window' of uterine receptivity on day 5 of pregnancy and pseudopregnancy (PSP) in mice. In this study, we investigated whether uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation can be further extended on day 6 of PSP and the role of progesterone (P(4)) on this event. Embryo transfers, experimentally induced decidualization, in situ hybridization and [(3)H]thymidine incorporation were performed. Blastocysts initiate attachment reaction within 48 h when transferred on day 5, but not on day 6 of PSP. Likewise, decidualization reaction occurred on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but completely failed on day 6. However, P(4) supplementation partially retains uterine receptivity for blastocyst implantation and decidualization on day 6 of PSP. In addition, certain indicators of uterine receptivity, such as cell proliferation profile and expression patterns of implantation-related genes were similarly observed on days 4 and 5 of PSP, but not on day 6. Consistent with embryo transfer and decidualization, exogenous administration of P(4) partially restores these indicators on day 6 of PSP. We concluded that critical physiological changes occur between days 4 and 5 of PSP, leading to uterine non-receptivity on day 6, but P(4) is able to extend the uterine receptivity through day 6.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoradiography
  • Blastocyst / physiology*
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Decidua / physiology
  • Embryo Implantation / genetics
  • Embryo Implantation / physiology*
  • Embryo Transfer
  • Female
  • Fertilization in Vitro
  • Gene Expression
  • Gestational Age
  • In Situ Hybridization
  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor / genetics
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Progesterone / pharmacology*
  • Pseudopregnancy / metabolism
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Uterus / cytology
  • Uterus / drug effects
  • Uterus / physiology*

Substances

  • Leukemia Inhibitory Factor
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Progesterone