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Heat shock protein expression during gametogenesis and embryogenesis.
A Neuer1, S D Spandorfer, P Giraldo
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Witten/Herdecke, Dortmund, Germany. andreas.neuer@t-online.de
Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology
|May 7, 1999
Summary
Heat shock proteins (hsps) are crucial for cell survival under stress. Antibodies to hsps, potentially from infections, can impair mammalian embryo development, suggesting a link to human fertility issues.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Heat shock proteins (hsps) are vital for cellular protection against stress by preventing protein denaturation.
- Hsps play a significant role in reproduction, appearing early in mammalian embryo development.
- Genital tract infections may trigger immunity to microbial hsp epitopes shared with humans, impacting fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the role of hsps in gametogenesis and early embryo development.
- To investigate the impact of antibodies to hsps on mammalian embryo development.
- To explore the potential link between immune sensitization to hsps and human fertility problems.
Main Methods:
- Review of hsp production in gametogenesis and early embryo development.
- Analysis of antibody titers to bacterial and human hsps in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization.
- Mouse embryo culture model to assess the effect of hsp antibodies on embryo development.
- TUNEL staining to evaluate apoptosis in exposed and unexposed embryos.
Main Results:
- Antibodies to bacterial and human hsps are found at high levels in individuals undergoing in vitro fertilization.
- In a mouse model, these antibodies significantly impaired embryo development at specific stages.
- Embryos exposed to hsp antibodies showed morphological similarities to apoptotic cells and higher TUNEL-positive staining.
Conclusions:
- Immune sensitization to hsps detrimentally affects embryo development.
- The presence of antibodies to hsps may contribute to fertility problems in humans, particularly in those with a history of genital tract infections.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which hsp immunity impacts reproductive success.