Immune interferon gamma inhibits translational mobility of a plasma membrane protein in preimplantation stage mouse embryos: a T-helper 1 mechanism for immunologic reproductive failure.

OBJECTIVE

Immune interferon gamma adversely affects mouse embryo development and has been proposed as a mediator of reproductive failure involving T-helper 1 immunity. We hypothesized that one mechanism by which interferon gamma could exert an adverse effect on embryos was by altering plasma membrane organization and transmembrane protein mobility.

STUDY DESIGN

The fluorescence photobleaching recovery technique was used to measure the effect of the T-helper 1 cytokine interferon gamma on the translational mobility of a specific embryonic surface glycoprotein recognized by the monoclonal antibody S75.

RESULTS

Compared with controls interferon gamma significantly decreased the fractional mobility of fluorescein isothiocyanate S75 in one- and two-cell mouse embryos.

CONCLUSION

Interferon gamma may alter plasma membrane domains or cytoskeletal organization in early-stage embryos. By restricting plasma membrane protein mobility interferon gamma could effect T-helper 1-mediated reproductive failure.