Our studies were supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (82171603), the Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission (202140341), the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (23JC1403803), and Innovation Promotion Program of NHC and Shanghai Key Labs, SIBPT (RC2023-02).

Mouse handling and experimental studies were performed under protocols approved by the Animal Committee of the Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies. Ensure Safety Procedures: Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling chemicals or biological materials.
1. Acquisition of mouse embryos
NOTE: This section describes the process of obtaining mouse embryos. Adult female mice (6-8 weeks old, hybrid ...

Evaluating Embryo Adhesion in an In Vitro Co-Culture Model with Ishikawa Cells

<ol>
	<li>Hannan, N. J., Paiva, P., Dimitriadis, E., Salamonsen, L. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Models+for+study+of+human+embryo+implantation:+choice+of+cell+lines.">Models for study of human embryo implantation: choice of cell lines.</a> Biol Reprod. 82 (2), 235-245 (2010).</li><li>Li, H. Y., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Establishment+of+an+efficient+method+to+quantify+embryo+attachment+to+endometrial+epithelial+cell+monolayers.">Establishment of an efficient method to quantify embryo attachment to endometrial epithelial cell monolayers.</a> In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim. 38 (9), 505-511 (2002).</li><li>Hohn, H. P., Linke, M., Denker, H. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Adhesion+of+trophoblast+to+uterine+epithelium+as+related+to+the+state+of+trophoblast+differentiation:+in+vitro+studies+using+cell+lines.">Adhesion of trophoblast to uterine epithelium as related to the state of trophoblast differentiation: in vitro studies using cell lines.</a> Mol Reprod Dev. 57 (2), 135-145 (2000).</li><li>Ho, H., Singh, H., Aljofan, M., Nie, G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+high-throughput+in+vitro+model+of+human+embryo+attachment.">A high-throughput in vitro model of human embryo attachment.</a> Fertil Steril. 97 (4), 974-978 (2012).</li><li>Karvas, R. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Stem-cell-derived+trophoblast+organoids+model+human+placental+development+and+susceptibility+to+emerging+pathogens.">Stem-cell-derived trophoblast organoids model human placental development and susceptibility to emerging pathogens.</a> Cell Stem Cell. 29 (5), 810-825 (2022).</li><li>Xiang, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=A+developmental+landscape+of+3D-cultured+human+pre-gastrulation+embryos.">A developmental landscape of 3D-cultured human pre-gastrulation embryos.</a> Nature. 577 (7791), 537-542 (2020).</li><li>Ojosnegros, S., Seriola, A., Godeau, A. L., Veiga, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Embryo+implantation+in+the+laboratory:+an+update+on+current+techniques.">Embryo implantation in the laboratory: an update on current techniques.</a> Hum Reprod Update. 27 (3), 501-530 (2021).</li><li>Berneau, S. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterisation+of+osteopontin+in+an+in+vitro+model+of+embryo+implantation.">Characterisation of osteopontin in an in vitro model of embryo implantation.</a> Cells. 8 (5), 432 (2019).</li><li>Jiang, R., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Enhanced+HOXA10+sumoylation+inhibits+embryo+implantation+in+women+with+recurrent+implantation+failure.">Enhanced HOXA10 sumoylation inhibits embryo implantation in women with recurrent implantation failure.</a> Cell Death Discov. 3, 17057 (2017).</li><li>Kang, Y. J., Forbes, K., Carver, J., Aplin, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+role+of+the+osteopontin-integrin+&#945;v&#946;3+interaction+at+implantation:+functional+analysis+using+three+different+in+vitro+models.">The role of the osteopontin-integrin &#945;v&#946;3 interaction at implantation: functional analysis using three different in vitro models.</a> Hum Reprod. 29 (4), 739-749 (2014).</li><li>Duan, C. C., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Oocyte+exposure+to+supraphysiological+estradiol+during+ovarian+stimulation+increased+the+risk+of+adverse+perinatal+outcomes+after+frozen-thawed+embryo+transfer:+a+retrospective+cohort+study.">Oocyte exposure to supraphysiological estradiol during ovarian stimulation increased the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes after frozen-thawed embryo transfer: a retrospective cohort study.</a> J Dev Orig Health Dis. 11 (4), 392-402 (2020).</li><li>Chen, G., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Integrins+&#946;1+and+&#946;3+are+biomarkers+of+uterine+condition+for+embryo+transfer.">Integrins &#946;1 and &#946;3 are biomarkers of uterine condition for embryo transfer.</a> J Transl Med. 14 (1), 303-312 (2016).</li><li>Liang, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transgelin+2+is+required+for+embryo+implantation+by+promoting+actin+polymerization.">Transgelin 2 is required for embryo implantation by promoting actin polymerization.</a> FASEB J. 33 (4), 5667-5675 (2019).</li><li>Green, C. J., Fraser, S. T., Day, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Insulin-like+growth+factor+1+increases+apical+fibronectin+in+blastocysts+to+increase+blastocyst+attachment+to+endometrial+epithelial+cells+in+vitro.">Insulin-like growth factor 1 increases apical fibronectin in blastocysts to increase blastocyst attachment to endometrial epithelial cells in vitro.</a> Hum Reprod. 30 (2), 284-298 (2015).</li><li>Kang, Y. J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=MiR-145+suppresses+embryo-epithelial+juxtacrine+communication+at+implantation+by+modulating+maternal+IGF1R.">MiR-145 suppresses embryo-epithelial juxtacrine communication at implantation by modulating maternal IGF1R.</a> J Cell Sci. 128 (4), 804-814 (2015).</li><li>Berger, C., Boggavarapu, N. R., Menezes, J., Lalitkumar, P. G., Gemzell-Danielsson, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+ulipristal+acetate+on+human+embryo+attachment+and+endometrial+cell+gene+expression+in+an+in+vitro+co-culture+system.">Effects of ulipristal acetate on human embryo attachment and endometrial cell gene expression in an in vitro co-culture system.</a> Hum Reprod. 30 (4), 800-811 (2015).</li><li>Li, X., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+culture+models+of+human+endometrium+for+studying+trophoblast-endometrium+interaction+during+implantation.">Three-dimensional culture models of human endometrium for studying trophoblast-endometrium interaction during implantation.</a> Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 20 (1), 120-138 (2022).</li><li>Fitzgerald, H. C., Schust, D. J., Spencer, T. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+models+of+the+human+endometrium:+evolution+and+application+for+women's+health.">In vitro models of the human endometrium: evolution and application for women's health.</a> Biol Reprod. 104 (2), 282-293 (2021).</li><li>Ahn, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Three-dimensional+microengineered+vascularised+endometrium-on-a-chip.">Three-dimensional microengineered vascularised endometrium-on-a-chip.</a> Hum Reprod. 36 (10), 2720-2731 (2021).</li><li>Sternberg, A. K., Buck, V. U., Classen-Linke, I., Leube, R. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=How+mechanical+forces+change+the+human+endometrium+during+the+menstrual+cycle+in+preparation+for+embryo+implantation.">How mechanical forces change the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle in preparation for embryo implantation.</a> Cells. 10 (8), 2008 (2021).</li></ol>

The simplicity and rapidity of the proposed in vitro model for embryo implantation offer remarkable advantages for early-stage drug screening and other research applications. The straightforward protocol, coupled with the high-throughput nature of Ishikawa cell lines, makes it an ideal candidate for large-scale screens, particularly in the early stages of drug discovery. Liang13 found that TAGLN2 knockdown decreased the invasion ability of trophoblast cells. Green14</sup...

Embryo implantation, the initial step of successful pregnancy, is crucial for understanding its biological basis and addressing the challenges of infertility. However, ethical constraints pose significant limitations in collecting human clinical embryo samples, hampering research into the intricate interactions between human embryos and the endometrium during early pregnancy1. A profound comprehension of these complex mechanisms is vital for advancing fundamental biological research, drug discovery, and reproductive health.
Previous in vitro models employed adhesion models where monolayer human endometrial epithelial cells (RL95-2)2 were co-cultured with embryonic substitutes, such as BeWo, JAr, or Jeg-33 choriocarcinoma cells. Nevertheless, the selection of the size of the spheroids, ranging from 70-100 &#181;m, was crucial as larger or smaller cell aggregates could compromise the accuracy of the experiment. Notably, only 25% of the spheroids in each preparation met the standard for the suitable size4, and there were significant differences compared to the physiological conditions of blastocysts.
Furthermore, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems for the endometrium and blastocyst offer a more physiologically relevant environment5, but they require high technical expertise, slow cell growth, high resource and maintenance costs, difficulty in standardization, and low reproducibility6.
In this protocol, we present a cost-effective and rapid in vitro model of embryo implantation that can be developed and utilized in most laboratories. The overall objective of this method is to provide a reliable and reproducible platform for studying the interactions between embryos and the endometrium in a controlled environment. By simulating key events of embryo implantation in vitro, this model aims to bridge the gap between animal models and clinical settings, enabling more precise and targeted research.
Compared to embryonic substitutes, the use of mouse blastocysts offers a more physiologically relevant representation of the in vivo embryo implantation process7. In addition, the Ishikawa cell line, derived from human endometrial adenocarcinoma, possesses mixed characteristics of glandular epithelium and uterine lumen epithelium1, enabling it to express enzymes, structural proteins, and functional steroid receptors similar to those found in normal endometrium, thus providing a physiologically relevant substrate for embryo implantation. The simplicity and rapidity of the co-culture system enable high-throughput screening and drug testing8,9,10. By providing a robust and reproducible platform, this method offers an opportunity to advance our understanding of embryo implantation and its impact on human health.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>17-&#946;-estradiol</td>
			<td>SIGMA</td>
			<td>3301</td>
			<td>Most potent mammalian estrogenic hormone</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>BD Falcon</td>
			<td>BD</td>
			<td>353001</td>
			<td>Bacteriological Petri Dishes 35 x 10 mm style w/tight lid, crystal-grade virgin polystyrene, sterile</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Biosafety Cabinet</td>
			<td>ESCO</td>
			<td>class <img alt="Equation 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/66873/66873eq01.jpg" style="margin: auto;" />BSC</td>
			<td>Aseptic operations, making culture dishes, aliquoting reagents, etc</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2 Incubator</td>
			<td>Thermo</td>
			<td>8000DH</td>
			<td>Embryo culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Culture plate</td>
			<td>Corning</td>
			<td>3506</td>
			<td>Cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>DMEM/F12</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>1133032</td>
			<td>DMEM/F12 (1x), liquid 1:1,Contains L-glutamine and 15 mM HEPES buffer</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>10099141</td>
			<td>Fetal Bovine Serum, Qualified, Australia Origin</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gelatin</td>
			<td>SIGMA</td>
			<td>G9391</td>
			<td>Type B, powder, BioReagent, suitable for cell culture</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>HCG</td>
			<td>Nanjing Aibei</td>
			<td>M2520</td>
			<td>Sterilization reagent, intraperitoneal injection, 50 IU/mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hyaluronidase&#160;</td>
			<td>SIGMA</td>
			<td>V900833</td>
			<td>Reagent grade, powder&#160;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>KSOM</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>MR-020P-D</td>
			<td>(1x), Powder, w/o Phenol Red, 5 x 10 mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>L-glutamine</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>25030081</td>
			<td>L-glutamine-200 mM (100x), liquid</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>M2</td>
			<td>Merck</td>
			<td>MR-015-D</td>
			<td>EmbryoMax M2 Medium (1x), Liquid, with Phenol Red</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral oil&#160;</td>
			<td>SIGMA</td>
			<td>M8410</td>
			<td>Mineral oil is suitable for use as a cover layer to control evaporation and cross-contamination in various molecular biology applications</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Penicillin-Streptomycin, liquid</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>15140122</td>
			<td>10,000 Units penicillin (base) and 10,000 units streptomycin (base), utilizing penicillin G (sodium salt) and streptomycin sulfate in 0.85% saline</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>PMSG</td>
			<td>Nanjing Aibei</td>
			<td>M2620</td>
			<td>Sterilization reagent ,intraperitoneal injection, 50 IU/mL</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Progesterone</td>
			<td>SIGMA</td>
			<td>5341</td>
			<td>Steroid hormone secreted by the corpus luteum during the latter half of the menstrual cycle</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sodium pyruvate</td>
			<td>Gibco</td>
			<td>11360070</td>
			<td>Sodium pyruvate is commonly added to cell culture media as a carbon source in addition to glucose</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Olympus</td>
			<td>SZX7</td>
			<td>Embryo retrieval and observation of embryo development</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

establishment of an embryo implantation model in vitro

Embryo implantation is the first step in the establishment of a successful pregnancy. An in vitro model for embryo implantation is critical for basic biological research, drug development, and screening. This paper presents a simple, rapid, and highly efficient in vitro model for embryo implantation. In this protocol, we first introduce mouse blastocyst acquisition and human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells (Ishikawa)&#160;preparation for implantation, followed by the co-culture method for mouse embryos and Ishikawa cells. Finally, we conducted a study to assess the impact of varying concentrations of 17-&#946;-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) on embryo adhesion rates based on this model. Our findings revealed that high concentrations of E2 significantly reduced embryo adhesion, whereas the addition of progesterone could restore the adhesion rate. This model offers a simple and fast platform for evaluating and screening molecules involved in the adhesion process, such as cytokines, drugs, and transcription factors controlling implantation and endometrial receptivity.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Therapeutic Strategies for Improving Pregnancy Rates by Analyzing Embryo-Endometrium Interactions

Establishment of an Embryo Implantation Model In Vitro

Embryo implantation, the initial step of a successful pregnancy is crucial for understanding its biological basis and addressing the challenges of infertility. The aim of this study is to establish a consistent platform for analyzing embryo endometrium interactions under controlled conditions. Based on this in vitro model we found that ultra high concentrations of estrogen significantly reduce the embryo implantation risk whereas progesterone supplementation could dependently alleviated these negative effects.This study offers new insights and therapeutic strategies for improving pregnancy risks in fresh embryo transfer during controlled ovarian stimulation for IVF. Compared to three dimensional culture system this in vitro model offers a simple rapid and cost effective platform that can be established in most laboratories and exhibits high reproducibility and reliability making it an advantageous tool for research and development in the field of reproductive biology.

In the process of assisted reproductive techniques, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) is a crucial step, leading to significantly elevated estrogen levels in patients by more than 10-20 times compared to natural cycles11. Given this context, we asked whether high serum estrogen concentrations impact embryo implantation during fresh embryo transfer. Based on this embryo implantation model, we studied the effects of various concentrations of E2&#160;and P4&#160;on embryo implantat...

This protocol describes methodologies to establish simple and efficient embryo implantation in vitro model for evaluating the relevant molecules affecting the embryo implantation process.

Embryo implantation is the first step in the establishment of a successful pregnancy. An in vitro model for embryo implantation is critical for basic ...

establishment-of-an-embryo-implantation-model-in-vitro

Research

JoVE Journal

Biology

288 ビュー.  Fudan University. 胚移植は、妊娠を成功させるための最初のステップであり、その生物学的基盤を理解し、不妊症の課題に対処するために重要です。この研究の目的は、制御された条件下で胚の子宮内膜の相互作用を分析するための一貫したプラットフォームを確立することです。このin vitroモデルに基づいて、超高濃度のエストロゲンは胚着床リスクを大幅に?...

ビデオ: 著者スポットライト:胚と子宮内膜の相互作用を分析することにより、妊娠率を改善するための治療戦略の推進

This protocol describes methodologies to establish simple and efficient embryo implantation in vitro model for evaluating the relevant molecules affecting the embryo implantation...

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66873_b.jpg

pregnancy and nursing management for embryo-transferred and genetically modified rabbits

This protocol describes a pregnancy and feeding management technique for embryo-transferred and genetically modified rabbits, aimed at reducing newborn rabbit mortality and enhancing the preparation efficiency of gene-edited...

Pregnancy and Nursing Management for Embryo-Transferred and Genetically Modified Rabbits

co-culture model using two types of adherent cell lines

Author Spotlight: In Vitro Endometrial Models to Study Epithelial-Stroma and Embryo Interactions

The protocol shows a novel in vitro experimental model that can recapitulate the biology of two kinds of adherent cell lines with a three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffold. The construction of this model and operating procedures, from cell preparation and cell culture to analysis and evaluation, are...

3D-Printed Scaffold Model to Investigate Embryo Implantation Mechanisms

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/67314_b.jpg

establishing a mouse model of thin endometrium

Author Spotlight: Advancing Infertility Studies with a Thin Endometrium Mouse Model Developed Using Controlled Ethanol Uterine Injection

This article describes a detailed protocol for producing a reliable and reproducible thin endometrium with a very low mortality rate and minimal intrauterine adhesions by injecting 95% ethanol into the mouse uterus within 1-3...

Optimized Thin Endometrium Mouse Model with Low Mortality and Minimal Adhesions

extended 78&#37; hepatectomy in a mouse surgical model

Author Spotlight: Evaluating Therapeutic Strategies to Enhance Liver Regeneration

The mouse model of partial 2/3 (66%) hepatectomy is well described in the literature, but more extended hepatectomies mimicking small-for-size syndrome after liver transplantation have seldom been used. We describe an extended 78% hepatectomy procedure in a mouse model that results in approximately 50% postoperative lethality in healthy mice.

Mouse Extended Hepatectomy Model for Liver Regeneration Studies

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66528_b.jpg

use of micropipette-guided drug administration as an alternative method to oral gavage in rodent models

Author Spotlight: Advancing Animal Research with Less Invasive Drug Administration

Here, we describe micropipette-guided drug administration (MDA) as an alternative method to oral gavage that incentivizes the research animal to ingest treatments readily with minimal stress and discomfort.

Reducing Research Animal Stress with Micropipette-Guided Drug Administration

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66836_b.jpg

high-frequency ultrasonography based early pregnancy characterization: a technique to study embryo implantation and pregnancy progression in pregnant murine model

In this video, we demonstrate high-frequency ultrasonography to image embryo implantation sites in a pregnant murine model. This imaging technique successfully detects viable pregnancy and characterizes embryo-implantation sites during early murine...

High-frequency Ultrasonography Based Early Pregnancy Characterization: A Technique to Study Embryo Implantation and Pregnancy Progression in Pregnant Murine Model

ear plaster therapy as a safe and effective treatment for gestational vomiting

Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture 

The presented protocol describes a traditional Chinese medicine treatment procedure known for its safety and effectiveness in managing gestational...

Managing Gestational Vomiting with Ear Plaster Therapy

measurement of four uterine nk cell subtypes using multiplexed fluorescent immunohistochemical staining in women with repeated implantation failure

Author Spotlight: Multiplex Immunohistochemistry for Understanding Immune Regulation by Uterine NK Cells in Pregnancy

This study presents a pioneering method for quantifying uterine natural killer cell subsets during the window of implantation using advanced multiplexed fluorescent immunohistochemical staining...

Exploring Uterine NK Cell Heterogeneity in the Endometrium with Multiplex IHC

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/67284_b.jpg

a mouse model for corneal neovascularization by alkali burn

Author Spotlight: Decoding Corneal Neovascularization with Alkali Burn Model for Future Therapeutic Strategies 

This protocol focuses on alkali burn-induced corneal neovascularization in mice. The method generates a reproducible and controllable corneal disease model to study pathological angiogenesis and the associated molecular mechanisms and to test new pharmacological agents to prevent corneal neovascularization.

Alkali Burn-Induced Corneal Neovascularization in Mice

realistic membrane modeling using complex lipid mixtures in simulation studies

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cell Membrane Biophysics - Exploring Interactions and Challenges Through Experimental and Computational Approaches 

Membrane lipid diversity in structure and composition is an important contributor to cellular processes and can be a marker of disease. Molecular dynamics simulations allow us to study membranes and their interactions with biomolecules at atomistic resolution. Here, we provide a protocol to build, run, and analyze complex membrane...

Simulating and Analyzing Lipid Bilayers Using Molecular Dynamics

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/65712_b.jpg

facilitating repeat intracarotid injections in mouse models by a novel injection site repair technique

Author Spotlight: Advancing Glioblastoma Treatment Through Intraarterial Delivery Strategies for Oncolytic Viruses and MicroRNAs

Repair of the intracarotid artery in a mouse model after injection returns blood flow to the artery without negatively impacting the distribution of the injected material. Injection site repair facilitates subsequent injections through the same artery and prevents cerebral ischemia in mouse strains that lack a complete Circle of...

Common Carotid Artery Repair After Injection in a Mouse Model 

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66303_b.jpg

the immediate partial removal of cumulus-oocyte complexes: a refined approach for rapid observation of in vitro fertilization

Author Spotlight: Evaluating the Impact of Immediate Partial Removal of Cumulus-Oocyte Complexes on Fertilization Efficiency and Embryo Quality

Here, we present an optimized method for promptly removing a portion of cumulus-oocyte complexes following egg retrieval to expedite the IVF observation process, reducing the time required for granulosa cell removal, minimizing oocyte exposure to external elements, and does not hinder embryo development, ultimately improving the efficiency of IVF laboratory...

Improving IVF Outcomes with Partial Granulosa Cell Removal Post-Retrieval

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66951_b.jpg

platform for quantitative detection of endometrial immune cells based on immunohistochemistry and digital image analysis

Author Spotlight: Advancing Reproductive Immunology with a Protocol for the Quantitative Evaluation of Endometrial Immune Cells 

Here, a digital immunohistochemistry image analysis platform was developed and validated to quantitatively analyze the endometrial immune cells of patients with recurrent miscarriages in the window of...

Image Analysis of Immunohistochemically Stained Endometrial Tissue

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/65643_b.jpg

Next, rub about 1 or 2 milliliters of ultrasound transmission gel onto the abdomen. Then, position the ultrasound probe on the lower abdomen using the manual motor stage. Using the ultrasound, locate the bladder, which should appear as a fluid-filled dark circle just cephalad to the vaginal...

establishment of a novel ex vivo lung perfusion system for rat lungs after circulatory death

Author Spotlight: Improving Donor Lung Quality and Success Rates in Lung Transplantation Through Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion

The objective is to develop a new ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) model in rats that can sustain consistent lung function for 4 h throughout EVLP and furnish the industry with implementation specifics that will offer a sturdy method for applying EVLP to rodent models.

Evaluation of Apoptosis and Lung Injury in DCD Donor Lungs Preserved by EVLP

development and assessment of intracellular infection models for staphylococcus aureus

Author Spotlight: Advancing Intracellular Staphylococcus aureus Infection Models for Therapeutic Innovation

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) has the capability to disseminate throughout the body, causing persistent and recurrent infections. To better understand these processes, this study establishes an intracellular infection model for S. aureus. This model will provide a crucial foundation for investigating the mechanisms behind intracellular...

Optimized In Vivo Models for Intracellular S. aureus Infection Studies

iatrogenic injury recapitulated: electroexcision technique for urethral stricture modeling in rats

Author Spotlight: Developing a Stable Rat Model for Urethral Stricture Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies

In this study, we present a novel, efficient, and stable rat model of urethral stricture created through electroexcision of the rat urethra, which effectively simulates iatrogenic injury observed in clinical...

Efficient Rat Model for Urethral Stricture: Electric Knife Method

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66864_b.jpg

blood sampling and hormone measurement for determining the stage in the ovarian cycle in marmosets

Author Spotlight: Advancing Primatology Through Germ Cell Research and Genetic Modification Techniques

This protocol describes blood and urine sampling for measuring progesterone/estradiol and chorionic gonadotropin levels to determine the ovarian cycle stage. The hormone levels are used to predict and determine the timing of ovulation and hormones are injected to regulate the ovarian cycle and oocyte...

Assessing Ovarian Cycle in Marmosets by Blood Collection and Hormone Analysis

https://cloudfront.jove.com/CDNSource/teasers/66691_b.jpg

high throughput characterization of adult stem cells engineered for delivery of therapeutic factors for neuroprotective strategies

High Throughput Characterization of Adult Stem Cells Engineered for Delivery of Therapeutic Factors for Neuroprotective Strategies

This study describes an experimental platform to rapidly characterize engineered stem cells and their behaviors before their application in long-term in vivo transplant studies for nervous system rescue and...

Acquisition of Mouse Embryos for In Vitro Implantation Studies

To begin, obtain a six to eight-week-old female mouse and inject the PMSG followed by HCG at a 42 to 48-hour interval. Mate the female mouse with a male of comparable age. After euthanizing the female mouse, open the abdomen and locate its genitalia.Using forceps, stretch the oviduct, ovary, and fat pads. With scissors, cut the oviduct and ovary, followed by the uterus. Transfer the obtained oviduct to a 35-millimeter Petri dish prefilled with M2 medium.Puncture the enlarged ampulla of the oviduct to release or pinch the cumulus zygote complex. Using forceps, transfer the complex to M2 solution containing 0.5 milligrams per milliliter of hyaluronidase and incubate for several minutes. With an egg transfer pipette, collect the zygotes and wash them in M2 medium containing BSA to remove residual hyaluronidase, cumulus cells, and impurities.

Mouse Embryo Culture and Attachment on Ishikawa Cells to Explore Endometrial Receptivity

To begin, obtain embryos from freshly mated female mouse. Prepare 12 microdroplets of Potassium Simplex Optimized Medium at the bottom of a 35-millimeter Petri dish. Cover the microdroplets with three to five milliliters of mineral oil, and place the Petri dishes in an incubator at 37 degrees Celsius with 5%carbon dioxide for equilibration.Using a transfer pipette, transfer the mouse embryos from M2 medium to KSOM medium. Place the washed embryos in the prepared KSOM microdroplets, and incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius with 5%carbon dioxide for four days. Select advantageous blastocysts according to their size, inner cell mass, number of trophoblast cells, and degree of expansion.Add one milliliter of 2%gelatin to a 12-well culture plate, and incubate at 37 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. Then aspirate the excess gelatin, and let the bottom of the plate dry completely. Seed human endometrial adenocarcinoma cells or Ishikawa cells into the gelatin-coated 12-well plate, and incubate the plate for 24 hours.Gently place five to 15 fresh blastocysts into each well of the 12-well plate containing the cells. After 48 hours, observe the embryos under a microscope to assess their attachment status after moving the plate three times. Unattached embryos will float or roll over the surface of cells.Finally, calculate the embryo implantation rate in the presence of various estrogen concentrations. The results demonstrated that near physiological concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol increased embryo implantation rates compared to the control without 17 beta-estradiol. However, ultra-high concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol around 100 nanomolar significantly reduced embryo implantation rates.