Endometrial signals improve embryo outcome: Functional role of vascular endothelial growth factor isoforms on embryo development and implantation in mice

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION: Does vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have important roles during early embryo development and implantation? SUMMARYANSWER: VEGF plays key roles during mouse preimplantation embryo development, with beneficial effects ontime tocavitation, blastocyst cell number and outgrowth, as well as implantation rate and fetal limb development. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Embryo implantation requires synchronized dialog between maternal cells and those of the conceptus. Following ovulation, secretions from endometrial glands increase and accumulate in the uterine lumen. These secretions contain important mediators that support the conceptus during the peri-implantation phase. Previous..