Effects of beta-1 integrins in the process of implantation.

The expression and function of beta 1 integrins on human decidual cells were investigated. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the cultured decidual cells expressed a high level of the beta 1 subunit on the cell surface. Mouse blastocysts attached to and spread onto cultured human decidual cells. Attachment of the blastocysts was a necessary prerequisite for the further outgrowth of trophoblasts. The addition of a monoclonal antibody recognizing the beta 1 subunit to the cultured decidual cells did not affect the rates of hatching and attachment of blastocysts. The outgrowth of embryos on decidual cells was inhibited by the addition of the anti-beta 1-subunit antibody in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, exposure of decidual cells to the anti-beta 1-subunit antibody significantly inhibited the extent of outgrowth of trophoblasts, implying that blastocyst attachment and outgrowth is mediated by different mechanisms. These observations suggest that beta 1 integrins on decidual cells may be involved in the process of blastocyst development and differentiation after attachment.