Three-Dimensional Endometrium Embryo-Implantation In Vitro Model Using Cell Sheet Engineering Technology in Rats

Abstract

Background: Due to advanced maternal age, conception rate is affected by the quality of fertilized eggs. However, the conception rate after transplanting good-quality embryos is not high. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the interaction between the endometrium and the embryo to improve the conception rate. Methods: Cell sheet engineering is a technique used for cell transplantation into target tissues. In this study, rat endometrial epithelial and stromal cell sheets were harvested, and layering was performed for these two types of cells to create three-dimensional (3D) endometrial tissues. A piece of 3D endometrial tissue was prepared by layering one endometrial epithelial cell sheet with two endometrial stromal cell sheets. A thawed blastocyst was implanted into the 3D endometrial tissue, and the embryo was analyzed histologically using a confocal microscope at 6, 12, and 24 hours after embryo implantation. Results: After embryo transplantation, invasion of the transplanted embryo into the 3D endometrial tissue was confirmed in vitro over time, similar to the embryo implantation process in the living body. Conclusion: We believe that these results can help reveal the interaction between the endometrium and embryo during embryo implantation and will contribute to better conception outcomes for women with infertility.

Keywords

• implantation model
• implantation mechanism
• embryo transfer