Superovulation affects glucosamine trisaccharides in the glycocalyx of the rat endometrium at the time of implantation.

The presence of glucosamine trisaccharides in the glycocalyx of surface epithelial cells of the endometrium of hyperstimulated pregnant rats was compared with that of normal pregnant animals by means of lectin-avidin-ferritin histochemistry. The lectin Phytolacca americana was used. A statistically significant reduction in ferritin particles and hence, glucosamine trisaccharides, was found in the glycocalyx of the hyperstimulated animals when compared with that of the controls. This reduction could contribute to the failure of implantation in hyperstimulated animals.