Discover the adhesive between the embryo and the mother

2003/03/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Osasuna

They have found the protein that helps the embryo to incorporate it into the uterus. According to doctors, three-quarters of miscarriage before 20 weeks is due to the fact that embryos are not installed in the uterus.

According to a study by the University of California, the embryo is established in the uterus thanks to a protein it produces. This protein, called L-selectin, is associated with carbohydrates produced by the uterus. Although it is not the only one involved in the process of L-selectin, it is very important, since researchers have shown that some polystyrene pellets, after being collected with L-selectin proteins, are able to implant them in the uterus.

Researchers want to use this discovery to increase the degree of success of in vitro fertilization. In fact, only a third of the embryos that occur in vitro fertilization get established in the uterus. However, if the embryos created in vitro produce or not properly produce L-selectin, embryos may be transferred more likely to be viable. In addition, in women it can also be analyzed whether or not they have enough reception in the uterus. There may be the key to many women with fertilization problems.