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Published on: April 29, 2015
Significance of peritoneal macrophages on fertility in mice
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Osaka City University Medical School, Japan.
Objective:
To elucidate the role of peritoneal macrophages in infertility, we investigated how the presence of peritoneal macrophages would affect fecundity in mice. Moreover, we also studied the effects of interleukin-1 on embryonic development.
Study Design:
Mice were administered OK-432 intraperitoneally to induce macrophage infiltration of the peritoneal cavity; ovulation was then induced and animals were mated. On day 13 of gestation, fetuses were counted. After injection of OK-432 or interleukin-1, the mice were mated. Three days later, embryos were collected and the stage of embryo development was determined.
Results:
In mice given OK-432 (n = 33), four (12%) became pregnant and the mean litter number was 6.0 +/- 3.6, whereas in the control group 23 of 30 mice (77%; p < 0.01) became pregnant and the litter number was 14.1 +/- 5.3 (p < 0.01). OK-432 and interleukin-1 administered intraperitoneally significantly suppressed embryo development (p < 0.01).
Conclusion:
Increased numbers of peritoneal macrophages negatively affect fecundity, probably by suppressing embryonic development.
Insights
Increased peritoneal macrophages significantly reduce fertility in mice, likely by impairing embryo development. Interleukin-1 also negatively impacts embryonic growth.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Peritoneal macrophages play a role in reproductive processes.
- The impact of increased peritoneal macrophage numbers on fertility is not fully understood.
- Interleukin-1's effect on early embryonic development requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of increased peritoneal macrophages on female fecundity in mice.
- To determine the influence of interleukin-1 on embryonic development.
Main Methods:
- Macrophage infiltration was induced in mice using intraperitoneal OK-432.
- Ovulation was induced, and animals were mated to assess pregnancy and litter size.
- Embryo development was evaluated after intraperitoneal administration of OK-432 or interleukin-1.
Main Results:
- Mice treated with OK-432 showed significantly lower pregnancy rates (12%) and litter sizes compared to controls (77%).
- Both OK-432 and interleukin-1 significantly suppressed embryo development.
- A statistically significant difference (p < 0.01) was observed in pregnancy rates and litter sizes between groups.
Conclusions:
- Elevated peritoneal macrophage numbers are associated with reduced fecundity in mice.
- Suppression of embryonic development is a likely mechanism for the observed infertility.
- Interleukin-1 may contribute to impaired embryonic development in the peritoneal environment.
