The simulation made it possible to appreciate how the human embryo not only adheres to the lining of the uterus, but is actively inserted. “We notice that the embryo attracts the uterine matrix, moving and reorganizing it,” explained Amélie Gouau, a co -author of the research who was published Scientific progress.
These movements can explain the pain that some women report a few days after fertilization. “Although it is known that many women experience abdominal pain and light bleeding during implantation, the process itself has never been observed before,” said Ojosnegros.
Different species, different tactics
Scientists also compared the implantation of human embryos and mouse embryos. They discovered that mouse embryos were implanting, stretching to the surface of the uterus, while human embryos can be firmly embedded in any direction, including down to the lining. The comparison emphasizes that each species has developed its own tactics to achieve implantation.
A kidding film for the implantation process of the mouse embryo (on the left) and the human embryo (on the right).
In addition, by using external mechanical stimuli for embryos, scientists noticed that they both reacted to them, but in different ways. Human embryos recruited miosin, protein, which contributes to the regulation of muscle spasm, and again some of their convexities are realized, while mouse germs adapted the orientation of the body axis towards the source of strength. These discoveries show that embryos are not passive receptors, but rather actively perceive and respond to external mechanical signals obtained during implantation.
Understanding the mechanical forces related to implantation offers fresh research opportunities: a special path can improve the choice and treatment of embryos in repeated programs. Another obvious next step will be to examine the mechanical causes of infertility, in addition to those that are already known as genetic.
Human embryos used in these studies were provided by Dexeus Mujer Barcelona, Women’s Health Clinic specializing in obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive medicine. “Our work consisted in providing technical advice and a rigorous selection of human embryos donated for research, ensuring that they met the ideal conditions for the project,” said Miquel Solé, director of the Krioprzerzdrzczesro -Stock Laboratory Dexeus Mujer.
This story originally appeared Wired in Spanish and was translated from Spanish.