Immunocytochemical localization of growth factors and their receptors in human pre-embryos and Fallopian tubes

Hum Reprod. 1996 Jan;11(1):184-90. doi: 10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019014.

Abstract

We utilized indirect immunocytochemistry to demonstrate the presence of growth factors and their receptors in human pre-embryos and Fallopian tubes. In pre-embryos, only transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) and the intracellular domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) were found at the 4-cell stage. In 8- to 14-cell pre-embryos, TGF-alpha, the intracellular and extracellular domains of EGFR, and insulin-like growth factor-I and its receptor were found. Antibodies against TGF-alpha stained all Fallopian tube specimens, while the extracellular domains of EGFR was only found in specimens from patients with either blood type A or AB. These results suggest a cross-reactivity between the extracellular domain of the EGFR and blood group antigens. Our novel demonstration of growth factor receptor staining in human pre-embryos shows that growth factor receptor localization is dependent on the developmental stage of human pre-embryos. We have also established a potentially important link between the Fallopian tube which secretes growth factors and the localization of growth factor receptors in pre-embryos. These findings are compatible with the hypothesis that tubal secretions are embryotrophic for the early development of the pre-embryo.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • ErbB Receptors / analysis*
  • Fallopian Tubes / chemistry*
  • Female
  • Growth Substances / analysis*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry*
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / analysis
  • Pregnancy
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1 / analysis*
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha / analysis
  • Zygote / chemistry*

Substances

  • Growth Substances
  • Transforming Growth Factor alpha
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, IGF Type 1