The overall objective of the proposed research is to elucidate the physiological transport mechanisms involved in the swelling of the blastocyst, an important prerequisite for implantation. Studies will be done on maximally (rabbit) and minimaly (mouse) expanding types of blastocyst. There are five specific aims, all directed towards investigating the molecular mechanisms involved in ion and water transport across the trophectodermal epithelium.
Specific aims 1 -3 involve the development of a voltage clamp/perfusion system, the study of potassium ion fluxes, and measurement of the distribution and activity of Na/K-ATPase pumps within the trophectoderm.
Specific aim four concerns studies designed to determine whether exogenous agents, particularly those likely to arise in the mother, can affect transport across the epithelium. Particular emphasis will be placed upon elucidating the physiological control mechanisms involved in the on/off signaling of various ion transport systems. Fifth intracellular concentrations of physiologically important ions like Na+, K+, Cl+, phosphate, and calcium will be made using electron probe microanalysis. These studies will contribute to our knowledge of the kinetic and biochemical properties of developing ion transport systems in preimplantation mammalian embryos, and increase our comprehension of the physiology of early pregnancy.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD021302-02
Application #
3320127
Study Section
Physiology Study Section (PHY)
Project Start
1986-04-01
Project End
1991-03-31
Budget Start
1987-04-01
Budget End
1988-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1987
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Type
School of Medicine & Dentistry
DUNS #
004514360
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
Robinson, D H; Benos, D J (1991) Glucose metabolism in the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of the rabbit embryo. J Reprod Fertil 91:493-9
Robinson, D H; Bubien, J K; Smith, P R et al. (1991) Epithelial sodium conductance in rabbit preimplantation trophectodermal cells. Dev Biol 147:313-21
Benos, D J; Balaban, R S (1990) Current topic: transport mechanisms in preimplantation mammalian embryos. Placenta 11:373-80
Robinson, D H; Smith, P R; Benos, D J (1990) Hexose transport in preimplantation rabbit blastocysts. J Reprod Fertil 89:1-11
Reyes, J G; Velarde, M V; Ugarte, R et al. (1990) Glycolytic component of rat spermatid energy and acid-base metabolism. Am J Physiol 259:C660-7
Gargus, E B; Robinson, D H; Bubien, J K et al. (1989) In vitro differentiation of rabbit blastocyst cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol 25:435-41
Robinson, D H; Kirk, K L; Benos, D J (1989) Macromolecular transport in rabbit blastocysts: evidence for a specific uteroglobin transport system. Mol Cell Endocrinol 63:227-37
Overstrom, E W; Benos, D J; Biggers, J D (1989) Synthesis of Na+/K+ ATPase by the preimplantation rabbit blastocyst. J Reprod Fertil 85:283-95
Biggers, J D; Bell, J E; Benos, D J (1988) Mammalian blastocyst: transport functions in a developing epithelium. Am J Physiol 255:C419-32
Reyes, J; Borriero, L; Benos, D J (1988) A bioenergetic model of gossypol action: effects of gossypol on adult rat spermatogenic cells. Am J Physiol 254:C564-70

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