The nature and distribution of serologically detectable alloantigens on the preimplantation mouse embryo

Abstract

The nature and distribution of surface alloantigens on preimplantation mouse embryos has been examined by immunofluorescence. Non-H-2 alloantigens were detected at all stages examined, from the 2-cell to the 4 1/2-day blastocyst. Cleaving blastomeres, inner cell mass cells and cells of the primary trophectoderm were all positive. In F1 embryos maternal non-H-2 alloantigens were detectable at all stages, whereas paternal antigens first became evident at the 6- to 8-cell stage. No convincing evidence of the presence of alloantigens associated with the H-2 haplotype was found at any stage or on any cell type, suggesting that if these antigens are present they are in low quantity or are masked.