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Ovine conceptus secretory proteins and bovine recombinant interferon alpha (1)-1 decrease endometrial oxytocin
1AFRC Research Group on Hormones and Farm Animal Reproduction, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough.
The Journal of Endocrinology
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Sheep conceptus proteins (oCSP) and bovine recombinant interferon alpha 1-1 (brIFN) were tested for their effects on ewe endometrium. Both oCSP and brIFN reduced oxytocin receptors and prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite (PGFM) in cyclic ewes, but only oCSP had this effect in progesterone-treated ewes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive biology
- Endocrinology
- Pregnancy recognition
Background:
- Oxytocin receptors in the endometrium are crucial for prostaglandin release, which signals luteolysis.
- Maternal recognition of pregnancy involves conceptus signals that can alter the estrous cycle.
- Sheep conceptus proteins (oCSP) and interferons are potential signals involved in pregnancy recognition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether oCSP or bovine recombinant interferon alpha 1-1 (brIFN) affect endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations in ewes.
- To determine if these substances alter oxytocin-induced prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite (PGFM) release.
Main Methods:
- Experiment 1: Cyclic ewes received intrauterine infusions of oCSP or brIFN, followed by oxytocin challenge and measurement of PGFM and endometrial oxytocin receptors.
- Experiment 2: Ovariectomized, progesterone-treated ewes received intrauterine infusions of oCSP or brIFN, followed by oxytocin challenge and measurement of PGFM and endometrial oxytocin receptors.
Main Results:
- In cyclic ewes, both oCSP and brIFN suppressed endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations and oxytocin-induced PGFM increases.
- In progesterone-treated ewes, oCSP suppressed endometrial oxytocin receptor concentrations, but brIFN did not.
- Neither oCSP nor brIFN altered oxytocin-induced PGFM increases in progesterone-treated ewes.
Conclusions:
- oCSP and brIFN can suppress endometrial oxytocin receptors in cyclic ewes.
- The effect of oCSP on endometrial oxytocin receptors is maintained in a progesterone-dominated environment, unlike brIFN.