Anandamide (N-arachidonoylethanolamide), an arachidonic acid derivative, is an endogenous ligand for cannabinoid receptors, which are m embers of the G protein (Gi)-coupled receptors family. Ananamide is mainly foun d in central nervous system, immune system and uterus etc and mimics most of the effects of (－)Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinoid ［(－)Δ9-THC］, a psyco active derivative of marijuana. Fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), which is inv olved in hydrolyzing anandamide to arachidonic acid and ethanolamide, may quickl y regulate level of anandamide in vivo.

Focal adhesion kinase is a non-receptor protein tyrosine kinase with molecular weight 125 ku and regarded as the foundmental molecule of integrin-dependent signal transduction pathway. Active focal adhesion kinase regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and differentiation by interacting with Src family kinase, phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase, cytoskeletal proteins, Graf and adoptor proteins through the phosphorylated tyrosines and the proline-rich sequences.

Objective To study the effect of transforming growth factor-α (TGF-α) on early stage of embryo implantation.Methods Mouse blastocysts were cultured in vitro in medium containing various concentrations of TGF-α. Blastocyst implantation capacity was evaluated by calculating the percentage of embryos with attachment or outgrowth. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) secretion of blastocysts was observed using gelatin zymography. Results There was no significant difference in the percentage of attachment between control and TGF-α treated groups, but the percentage of outgrowth of TGF-α treated groups was significantly higher than that of the control group after 24h culturing. Gelatin zymography showed that blastocysts cultured in TGF-α treated groups started secreting MMPs earlier than those in the control group.Conclusion TGF-α is involved in regulating the mouse embryo implantation process by promoting blastocyst outgrowth and secreting matrix matalloproteinases.

Animals ; Antigens, Surface/genetics* ; Cell Communication/genetics* ; Copulation/physiology* ; Fallopian Tubes/metabolism* ; Female ; Fertilization/genetics* ; GPI-Linked Proteins/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genes, Reporter ; Green Fluorescent Proteins/metabolism* ; Litter Size ; Luminescent Proteins/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Mice, Knockout ; Mitochondria/metabolism* ; Reproduction/genetics* ; Signal Transduction ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility/genetics* ; Spermatozoa/metabolism* ; Uterus/metabolism*