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

摘要

>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.