Embryonic growth retardation and altered expression of IGF-II is reciprocal induced by phytocompounds during early gestation in mice.

Methanolic crude extract of Scoparia dulcis (CESD) was orally administered to female mice during the early gestation (day 4-day 8) at a dose of 500 mg/kg/day. It induces embryo resorption and morphological changes of fetal maternal tissue. Histomorphology was studied by routine hematoxylin eosin stain. In situ immunofluorescence localization of IGF-II using Texas red showed an ordered expression of the growth factor in the maternal decidual cells, trophoblast cells and the embryo. Western blot analysis showed a gradual increase of IGF-II from D4 to D8 of control females. In contrast, the CESD-treated females showed resorption of embryo on D8 with disorganized in situ expression and lowered IGF-II in fetal maternal tissue. The phytocompounds present in the CESD could modulate either the ER or IGF-II receptors causing reduced IGF-II expression in the target tissues which lead to the failure of embryonic growth during periimplantation.

Crude bark extract of Dysozylum alliarium induces alteration in histological structures and VEGF-C expression in uterus during days 4-7 of gestation in albino rat.

PURPOSE: Crude bark extract (CBE) of Dysoxylum alliarium was tested in vivo for its effects on rat uterus during estrus and day 4-7 of gestation. The purpose is to study the effects of CBE on embryo implantation and VEGF-C expression during peri-implantation period to find out possible role of VEGF-C and embryo implantation. METHODS: Threshold was determined by multiple-dose administration of CBE. CBE prepared in methanol was orally administered in a dose of 500 mg/kg/day to female rats during day 1-7 of gestation. Routine H&E histology of uteri was studied during estrus phase and days 4-7 of gestation. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-C) was studied immunohistochemically and via western blot using VEGF-C antibody. RESULTS: The crude bark extract induced the structural aberration of uterine histology in cyclic stage and during peri-implantation. Cellular degeneration of embryo and supporting maternal tissue caused loss of embryo minimizing the litter size. Expression of VEGF-C was drastically reduced in the CBE treated females' uteri than that of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: CBE contains potential compounds capable of fertility control as post-coital contraceptive. Effects of CBE on embryo and foetal-maternal interface either mediated through reduced VEGF-C expression or vice versa.