The objective of the proposed research is to identify and characterize properties of the epithelial surface of the uterus which are involved in trophoblast adhesion and subsequent invasion during implantation. The research will test the hypothesis that the epithelium serves as the primary site for mediation of hormonally-modulated receptiveness of the uterus to blastocyst implantation.
Aims of the project include 1) the use of biochemical methods to identify and isolate uterine and trophoblast membrane molecules which bind specifically to one another in complementary receptor/ligand interactions, 2) to validate the structural and biochemical properties of an in vitro uterine epithelial system as a model for the receptive uterine surface, and to refine the system as appropriate, and 3) to use the epithelial cultures to examine trophoblast-uterine adhesion and to test the functional roles of the receptor/ligand molecules identified under Aim 1. The model, as studied to date, offers promise for allowing identification of maternal and embryonic factors required for cell-cell adhesion and fusion between these genetically disparate tissues. Results will be applicable to elucidating problems in cell-interaction generally and, more specifically, to the process of establishing pregnancy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD018123-09
Application #
3315103
Study Section
Reproductive Endocrinology Study Section (REN)
Project Start
1983-09-01
Project End
1994-03-31
Budget Start
1992-04-01
Budget End
1994-03-31
Support Year
9
Fiscal Year
1992
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
004413456
City
Nashville
State
TN
Country
United States
Zip Code
37212
Hoffman, L H; Wooding, F B (1993) Giant and binucleate trophoblast cells of mammals. J Exp Zool 266:559-77
Hoffman, L H; Winfrey, V P; Hoos, P C (1990) Sites of endometrial vascular leakage during implantation in the rabbit. Anat Rec 227:47-61
Anderson, T L; Olson, G E; Hoffman, L H (1986) Stage-specific alterations in the apical membrane glycoproteins of endometrial epithelial cells related to implantation in rabbits. Biol Reprod 34:701-20