Abstract

Preimplantation embryos exhibit 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) activity which effects the interconversion of estrone and estradiol. It also changes quantitatively and qualitatively (i.e., the direction of conversion) which development, suggesting that 17beta-HSD activity may be important in regulating early embryonic development. In addition, blastocysts are capable of metabolizing progesterone. Since the oviductal and uterine function is regulated by ovarian steroids, the ability of embryos to metabolize estrogen and progesterone could affect the function of oviductal and uterine tissues around the embryos. This proposal will further elucidate the steroid-metabolizing capabilities of the embryos and their possible function in early mouse development and in embryo- uterine interaction by determining: 1. the cofactor perference of 17beta-HSD in preimplantation mouse embryos 2. the effect of NAD or NADP in medium on the 17beta-HSD activity of preimplantation mouse embryos 3. if embryonic progesterone metabolities can maintain the viability of the embryos and stimulate the deciduoma growth in the mouse uterus 4. if mouse blastocysts can produce progesterone 5. if mouse blastocysts can make estrogen 6. possible effects or functions of embryonic estrogen in mouse preimplantation development The techniques used will include: superovulation, embryo culture and transfer, histology, thin-layer chromatography, radioimmunoassay and liquid scintillation counting.

  Funding Agency

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development (NICHD)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01HD021322-02
Application #
3320156
Study Section
Reproductive Biology Study Section (REB)
Project Start
1987-04-01
Project End
1990-03-31
Budget Start
1988-04-01
Budget End
1989-03-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
1988
Total Cost
Indirect Cost

  Institution

Name
University of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester
Department
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
660735098
City
Worcester
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
01655