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Published on: November 1, 2018
Effect of concanavalin A on the formation of the mouse blastocyst
Abstract:
Culture of precompact zona-free mouse embryos in the plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A) at 20 micrograms/ml inhibits blastocyst formation. Cell division is retarded compared with control embryos, compaction of the morula is prevented, and fluid accumulation occurs within but not between cells. As little as two hours of incubation in Con A can cause developmental delay and an eventual increased incidence of lysis, and although embryos can recover from more prolonged pulses of Con A, the blastocysts formed are often abnormal. Blastocyst formation occurs in some embryos, but does not do so unless at least some cells have undergone a fifth round of cell division before incubation in the lectin. However, not all embryos that contained more than 32 cells compacted and showed intercellular fluid accumulation in Con A. Thus, blastocyst formation is not restricted solely by an inhibition of cell division or a reduction in cell number, but is also impaired by interference of the lectin with the cell surface and its interactions. Morulae bind divalent Con A and monovalent succinyl-Con A similarly, but developmental interference is absent with the latter, suggesting that divalent Con A acts through a cross-linking of surface receptors.
Insights
The plant lectin concanavalin A (Con A) inhibits mouse embryo development to blastocysts by interfering with cell division and surface interactions. Even short exposures can cause developmental delays and abnormal blastocysts, highlighting Con A
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Reproductive Science
Background:
- Early mammalian embryonic development involves precise cell division, compaction, and differentiation.
- Blastocyst formation is a critical stage, requiring coordinated cellular events and cell-cell interactions.
- Plant lectins, like concanavalin A (Con A), can interact with cell surface molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of concanavalin A (Con A) on preimplantation mouse embryo development.
- To determine the specific mechanisms by which Con A interferes with blastocyst formation.
- To assess the role of cell division and cell surface interactions in Con A-induced developmental inhibition.
Main Methods:
- Culture of zona-free mouse embryos in vitro.
- Exposure of embryos to concanavalin A (Con A) at specific concentrations (20 µg/ml).
- Microscopic observation and analysis of developmental stages, cell division, compaction, and blastocyst formation.
Main Results:
- Concanavalin A (Con A) significantly inhibited blastocyst formation in mouse embryos.
- Con A exposure retarded cell division, prevented morula compaction, and altered fluid accumulation.
- Developmental delays and increased embryo lysis were observed, with some recovery possible, but often resulting in abnormal blastocysts.
Conclusions:
- Blastocyst formation is not solely dependent on cell number but is also impaired by Con A's interference with cell surface interactions.
- Divalent Con A appears to act by cross-linking surface receptors, leading to developmental interference.
- Monovalent succinyl-Con A did not cause similar developmental interference, supporting the cross-linking hypothesis.
