Abstract
Copper intrauterine device (IUD) users have a reduced expression of β3 integrin subunit during the implantation window. This integrin has been found to be a uterine marker for implantation. In order to verify if copper ions are involved in this reduction, β3 integrin subunit expression was assessed in an in vitro model. The β3 integrin subunit expression was determined by flow cytometry in the presence of copper D-gluconate and/or epidermal growth factor (EGF). The mean percentages of positive β3 integrin subunit cells under different culture conditions were: 4.7 ± 0.29 (mean ± SEM) in controls; 8.6 ± 0.59 in the presence of copper; 13.4 ± 0.05 in the presence of EGF and 20.8 ± 0.36 in the presence of EGF+copper (analysis of variance, p < 0.0001). Copper D-gluconate up-regulates β3 integrin subunit expression in vitro both in the presence and absence of EGF. The differences between in vivo and in vitro results should be investigated and may represent interference by other factors such as the inflammatory process associated with the presence of IUDs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
