Hydrosalpinx fluid enhances human trophoblast viability and function in vitro: implications for embryonic implantation in assisted reproduction.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of hydrosalpinx fluid on human cytotrophoblast viability and function in vitro.

DESIGN

Human cytotrophoblasts obtained from third-trimester placentas were cultured in vitro with hydrosalpinx fluid, and cell viability and protein production were assayed.

SETTING

A university hospital.

PATIENT(S): Ten hydrosalpinx fluid samples obtained from seven women with clearly diagnosed hydrosalpinges.

INTERVENTION(S): Recovery of hydrosalpinx fluid by transvaginal aspiration or at the time of surgery.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Cell viability was assessed by the XTT assay. Secretion of trophoblast oncofetal fibronectin (tropho-uteronectin) and beta-hCG by cultured trophoblasts was determined by Western blot and ELISA of the culture media.

RESULT(S): With increasing concentrations of hydrosalpinx fluid from 0% to 20%, there was a significant increase in trophoblast cell viability (1.63-fold increase in 20% hydrosalpinx fluid). Likewise, both Western blot and ELISA assays demonstrated a significant increase in tropho-uteronectin production by trophoblasts with increasing hydrosalpinx fluid concentrations (3.76-fold increase in 20% hydrosalpinx fluid). beta-Human chorionic gonadotropin production also increased significantly in the presence of hydrosalpinx fluid (3.31-fold increase in 20% hydrosalpinx fluid).

CONCLUSION(S): These findings suggest that hydrosalpinx fluid improves human trophoblast viability in vitro and enhances the production of tropho-uteronectin and beta-hCG by these cells.