Abstract
The cell surface glycoprotein CD44 has been demonstrated in a variety of cell types in embryonic and adult tissues. We have established that CD44 is present on human oocytes, cumulus cells, early embryos and pre-hatched blastocysts by indirect immunofluorescence. We have also shown that CD44 is present on 8-11 week placental stroma cells, but not on the trophoblast. These findings demonstrate that CD44 is present throughout preimplantation development, and that down-regulation occurs on the embryonic surface after implantation.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Blastocyst / metabolism*
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Blastocyst / physiology
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism*
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Embryonic and Fetal Development*
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Female
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Fluorescent Antibody Technique
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Humans
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Integrins / metabolism
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Placenta / cytology
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Placenta / metabolism
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Pregnancy
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Pregnancy Trimester, First
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Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism*
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Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing / metabolism*
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Staining and Labeling
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Stromal Cells / metabolism
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Trophoblasts / metabolism
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Hyaluronan Receptors
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Integrins
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Receptors, Lymphocyte Homing