Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural analysis of the effect of omega-3 on embryonic implantation in an experimental mouse model

Abstract

Objective: Implantation is the first step to a healthy pregnancy. Omega-3 supplementation is common to use during pregnancy, for its antioxidant and membrane stabilising effect. In this study we have aimed to study the effect of Omega-3 supplementation on implantation in a mouse model by immunohistochemical methods and electron microscopic evaluation.

Materials and methods: Mice were randomized into three groups to receive standard food, Omega-3 400 mg/kg and Omega-3 1000 mg/kg one menstrual cycle before mating. Mice were sacrificed on third day of estimated implantation and uterine horns were evaluated immunohistochemically for staining of Laminin and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor (LIF) and ultrastructural morphology.

Results: Laminin and LIF immunoreactivity were increased signifcantly in the high dose group when compared to the control and low-dose groups in lumen epithelium basal membrane, gland epithelium basal membrane and endometrial stroma. Electron-microscopic evaluation showed a decrease in epithelial height and microvilli loss in the high dose groups.

Conclusion: Omega-3 supplementation increased implantation markers Laminin and LIF and decreased epithelial height and microvilli thus seems to prepare the endometrium for a favorable environment of implantation.

Keywords: electron microscope; implantation; laminin; leukemia inhibitory factor; omega-3.