Spatial and temporal alterations of phospholipids determined by mass spectrometry during mouse embryo implantation

J Lipid Res. 2009 Nov;50(11):2290-8. doi: 10.1194/jlr.M900100-JLR200. Epub 2009 May 8.

Abstract

Molecular events involved in successful embryo implantation are not well understood. In this study, we used MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) technologies to characterize the spatial and temporal distribution of phospholipid species associated with mouse embryo implantation. Molecular images showing phospholipid distribution within implantation sites changed markedly between distinct cellular areas during days 4-8 of pregnancy. For example, by day 8, linoleate- and docosahexaenoate-containing phospholipids localized to regions destined to undergo cell death, whereas oleate-containing phospholipids localized to angiogenic regions. Arachidonate-containing phospholipids showed different segregation patterns depending on the lipid class, revealing a strong correlation of phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylinositols with cytosolic phospholipase A(2alpha) and cyclooxygenase-2 during embryo implantation. LC-ESI-MS/MS was used to validate MALDI IMS phospholipid distribution patterns. Overall, molecular images revealed the dynamic complexity of lipid distributions in early pregnancy, signifying the importance of complex interplay of lipid molecules in uterine biology and implantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 / metabolism
  • Cytosol / enzymology
  • Embryo Implantation*
  • Female
  • Group IV Phospholipases A2 / metabolism
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods*
  • Mice
  • Phosphatidylcholines / analysis
  • Phosphatidylcholines / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / analysis
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines / metabolism
  • Phosphatidylinositols / analysis
  • Phosphatidylinositols / metabolism
  • Phospholipids / analysis*
  • Phospholipids / metabolism
  • Pregnancy
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization
  • Sphingomyelins / analysis
  • Sphingomyelins / metabolism
  • Time Factors
  • Uterus / metabolism

Substances

  • Phosphatidylcholines
  • Phosphatidylethanolamines
  • Phosphatidylinositols
  • Phospholipids
  • Sphingomyelins
  • Ptgs2 protein, mouse
  • Cyclooxygenase 2
  • Group IV Phospholipases A2