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Dissertation
Protein mediated attachment mechanisms associated with blastocyst implantation
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Dec 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/etd-2814
Abstract
It is estimated that one in three pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Little is understood about the underlying protein/receptor interactions responsible for attachment of the blastocyst to the uterine epithelial tissue. Even today, in vitro fertilization (IVF) sustains only a 30% average success rate. A primary cause of implantation failure in IVF is thought to be problems with the initial attachment process. Recent evidence suggests that the interaction between L-selectin and its sulfated ligands is the initial mechanism responsible for the initial capture of the rolling blastocyst. Further, secondary strengthening attachment processes are thought to be mediated through integrin/ligand interactions. No suitable animal model exists for the study of these initial events and research on human tissue is not possible due to ethical constraints. In this work, a trophoblast cell model was established and validated for examining initial L-selectin mediated attachment events in a hormonally-regulated environment. Further studies included the determining the effects of hydrodynamic shear flow on L-Selectin regulation in the cell model, and stimulation with dexamethasone, a steroid frequently included in the protocol for oocyte retrieval in IVF. For the first time, the attachment strengths associated with L-selectin/L-selectin ligand interactions as well as integrin/ligand interactions have been quantified in a trophoblast/uterine epithelial cell model, providing information that may be relevant to the critical attachment strengths necessary to achieve and maintain successful implantation. Further insight into these complex interactions will enable a more comprehensive understanding of the necessary conditions for successful implantation, and may lead to clinically relevant treatments for promoting fertility in vivo as well.
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Details
- Title
- Protein mediated attachment mechanisms associated with blastocyst implantation
- Creators
- Dianne M. Rothstein - DU
- Contributors
- Michele Marcolongo (Advisor) - Drexel University (1970-)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Materials (Science and) Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) [Historical]; College of Engineering (1970-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 2814; 991014632265604721