Carbohydrate changes in pre- and peri-implantation mouse embryos as detected by a monoclonal antibody.

We have examined the tissue and embryonic distribution of an antigen on a large polysaccharide that is recognized by a monoclonal antibody, IIC3, prepared against F9 teratocarcinoma cells. By immunofluorescence the antigen is first detected on compacted morulae and early blastocysts. It is strongly expressed on the primary endoderm and trophoblast of expanded blastocysts, but then disappears from the trophoblast of attached blastocysts in vitro. The binding of the antibody is completely inhibited by D-galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine. Fluoresceinated lectins were used to study further the changes in cell surface carbohydrates on trophoblast during implantation. Ricinus I, specific for terminal galactose, binds to preimplantation stages but does not bind to the trophoblast of the attached blastocyst. On the other hand, wheat germ agglutinin, specific for N-acetylglucosamine and sialic acid, binds to all preimplantation embryos and also to attached blastocysts (embryo proper and trophoblast). Neuraminidase treatment of blastocyst outgrowths enhances binding of both IIC3 and Ricinus I to the trophoblast; conversely, the binding of wheat germ agglutinin is decreased by this treatment. The results obtained in this study show changes of cell surface carbohydrates during early mouse development and suggest that sialic acid may be masking molecules on the surface of the trophoblast at the time of implantation.