The Potential Role of Stem Cell Factor and Its Receptor C-kit in the Mouse Blastocyst Implantation

Embryo implantation is a complex process that requires the interaction of embryo and endometrium. Several growth factors and cytokines appear to be involved in this process. Stem cell factor (SCF) and its receptor c-kit regulate the proliferation and survival of germ cells and play an important role in follicular development. However, little information is available on the role of SCF and c-kit in the process of blastocyst implantation. In the present study, we examined the expression of SCF and c-kit mRNA in mouse embryos and in the stromal and epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). SCF mRNA was expressed in the spreading blastocysts and endometrial cells, with especially strong expression occurring in the stromal cells. Expression of c-kit mRNA was detected in the blastocysts and spreading blastocysts, as well as in the endometrial cells. By immunocytochemical studies, staining for c-kit protein was observed in the in-vitro spreading trophoblasts. We found that 50-100 ng/ml SCF significantly promoted the expansion of the surface area of the spreading blastocysts (P < 0.01). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that SCF derived from endometrial cells and the implanting embryo exerts paracrine and/or autocrine action on the process of implantation by stimulating trophoblast outgrowth through its receptor c-kit.