Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro
Published on: June 21, 2024
The effect of hyperstimulation on transforming growth factor beta(1) and beta(2) in the rat uterus: possible
Aleksandra Jovanović1, Beverley Kramer
1Embryonic Differentiation and Development Research Programme, School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa. aleksandra.jovanovic@wits.ac.za
Objective:
To investigate the effect of exogenous gonadotropins on the expression of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta(1) and beta(2) in the rat uterus and its consequences for successful embryo implantation.
Design:
Controlled experimental research study.
Setting:
School of Anatomical Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand.
Patient(S):
Thirty-six adult, virgin, female Sprague-Dawley rats and two fertile males.
Intervention(S):
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) were superimposed upon the normal hormonal milieu of normal, cycling female rats before mating. Uterine tissue was collected at peri-implantation stages (i.e., at 4.5, 5.5, and 6.5 days) after mating. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to estimate the blood estrogen and progesterone levels, and immunohistochemistry was performed to localize the TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2) in the uterus.
Main Outcome Measure(S):
Hyperstimulation affecting the expression of both TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2) during the peri-implantation period.
Result(S):
The release of ovarian steroids was altered, causing a change in the endogenous hormonal environment. A marked increase in the expression of TGF-beta(2) was distinct in the glandular epithelium. Expression of both TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2) was weaker in the subluminal stroma when compared with the deeper stromal region.
Conclusion(S):
Hyperstimulation with exogenous hormones affects the expression of both TGF-beta(1) and TGF-beta(2), which may contribute to the disruption of the endometrial environment required for successful embryo implantation.
