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Autocrine Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-α on the Development of Preimplantation Mouse Embryos

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Abstract

Purpose: We wished to explore the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-α in mouse embryonic development.

Methods: We examined the gene expression of TGF-α and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in mouse blastocysts by the reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and evaluated the effects of TGF-α on the development of preimplantation mouse embryos using TGF-α antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. Mouse teratocarcinoma F9 cells were also a subject of this study.

Results: Gene transcripts of TGF-α and EGFR were present in both blastocysts and F9 cells. TGF-α significantly stimulated the rate of blastocoel expansion in early-cavitating blastocysts and the proliferation of F9 cells. Northern blot analysis showed that TGF-α gene expression in F9 cells was markedly suppressed in the presence of TGF-α antisense oligodeoxynucleotide. TGF-α antisense oligonucleotide significantly reduced the rate of blastocoel expansion and the growth of F9 cells. The inhibitory effects of TGF-α antisense oligonucleotide on blastocysts and F9 cells were reversed by the addition of TGF-α.

Conclusions: The present observations suggest that TGF-α acts as an autocrine factor in the development of preimplantation mouse embryos.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tottori University School of Medicine, Yonago, 683, Japan

    Yoshimasa Onohara, Tasuku Harada, Masahiro Tanikawa, Tomio Iwabe, Hiroki Yoshioka, Fuminori Taniguchi, Masahiro Mitsunari, Toshiyuki Tsudo & Naoki Terakawa

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  1. Yoshimasa Onohara
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  2. Tasuku Harada
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  3. Masahiro Tanikawa
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  4. Tomio Iwabe
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  5. Hiroki Yoshioka
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  6. Fuminori Taniguchi
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  7. Masahiro Mitsunari
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  8. Toshiyuki Tsudo
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  9. Naoki Terakawa
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Onohara, Y., Harada, T., Tanikawa, M. et al. Autocrine Effects of Transforming Growth Factor-α on the Development of Preimplantation Mouse Embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 15, 395–402 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022541218487

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022541218487

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