Embryology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Embryology, including details on stem cells, reproduction, transplants, cloning.

A single intrauterine injection of the serine protease inhibitor 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride reversibly inhibits embryo implantation in mice.

Sun ZG, Shi HJ, Gu Z, Wang J, Shen QX

National Population and Family Planning Key Laboratory of Contraceptives and Devices, Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China.

BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of 4-(2-aminoethyl)benzenesulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF) on embryo implantation in mice with a view to identifying whether it might be a suitable agent for postcoital contraception. STUDY DESIGN: The anti-implantation efficacy of AEBSF was determined by counting the number of visible implanted embryos on Day 8 of pregnancy following a single intrauterine injection of AEBSF at doses of 30, 300 and 3000 microg per mouse uterine horn on Day 3 of pregnancy. The reversibility of the inhibitory effect of AEBSF on implantation was further evaluated by observing the outcome of a subsequent pregnancy without AEBSF treatment. RESULTS: A dose-dependent inhibitory effect of AEBSF on embryo implantation in vivo was observed. Morphological analysis revealed no significant cytotoxicity of AEBSF on the mouse uterine epithelia. Furthermore, the anti-implantation effect of AEBSF was reversible. CONCLUSION: Intrauterine administration of AEBSF at an appropriate dose might provide a basis for the development of novel contraception.

Published 20 August 2007 in Contraception, 76(3): 250-5.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2005-2008 Embryology Research Today. All Rights Reserved.