ATP mediates the interaction between human blastocyst and endometrium

Area of Science:

• Reproductive biology
• Cell signaling
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Embryo implantation requires communication between the embryo and the receptive endometrium.
• Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as a signaling molecule released by stressed or injured cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of extracellular ATP in the dialogue between human blastocysts and the endometrium.
• To determine if ATP influences endometrial receptivity and decidualization.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of lactate in human embryo culture medium.
• Measurement of extracellular ATP using an ATP Bioluminescent Assay Kit.
• Treatment of endometrial cells (Ishikawa and T-HESCs) with ATP, receptor antagonists, and enzyme inhibitors.
• Evaluation of gene expression via real-time PCR and immunoassay.

Main Results:

• Injured endometrial epithelial cells release ATP as a signaling molecule.
• Blastocyst-derived lactate induces ATP release from endometrial cells via connexins.
• Extracellular ATP stimulates IL8 secretion and promotes in vitro decidualization.
• ATP directly enhances decidualization of endometrial stromal cells through P2Y-purinoceptors.

Conclusions:

• Extracellular ATP plays a significant role in the human blastocyst-endometrium dialogue.
• ATP is important for initiating the decidualization process during early pregnancy.