Objective:To detect expression of tumor necrosis factor-converting enzyme(TACE)on the mouse uterine epithelial cell and effect of implantation in vitro. To analyze its role in blastocyst implantation and to investigate the relation TACE withimplantation of mouse embryo. Methods:Co-culturing endometrial epithelial cells and blastocyst of the pregnant 4-day mouse to establish the implantation model in vitro. Epithelial cells was identified by Immunocytochemistry. RT-PCR and Immunocytochemistry were used to detect the expression of TACE gene and protein in the endometrial epithelial cells. Different concentrations of TACE antibody were added to the implantation model to observe effect of TACE antibody on mouse blastocyst implantation in vitro. Expression of TACE protein was detected by Immunocytochemistry in each antibody interference system. Results:Endometrial epithelial cells growed vigorously in vitro. Keratin antibody showed positive expression

meanwhile

Vimentin antibody showed negative expression in the endometrial epithelial cells. PCR showed that the expression of TACE gene was high and results of Immunocytochemistry was consisted with PCR. The adhesion rate of mouse blastocyst was high in the co-culture system and decreased remarkably when TACE antibody was added (P<0.05). The adhesion rate of mouse blastocyst appeared a increased trend as the concentration of TACE antibody lowed. Immunocytochemistry also showed that expression of TACE protein rised as the concentration of TACE antibody lowed. Conclusion:We presumed that TACE participated in the process of mouse blastocyst implantation

which promoted adhesion and outgrowth of blastocyst to prepare forblastocyst implantation.