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Published on: May 23, 2014
Conceptus-derived prostaglandins regulate endometrial function in sheep.
Piotr Dorniak1, Fuller W Bazer, Guoyao Wu
1Center for Reproductive Biology, Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.
Biology of Reproduction
|April 21, 2012
Summary
Conceptus-secreted prostaglandins (PGs) and interferon tau (IFNT) are crucial for early pregnancy in sheep. These signals coordinate endometrial functions, supporting conceptus growth and development during the critical peri-implantation period.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Maternal-Fetal Interface
- Genomics and Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sheep conceptus secretes interferon tau (IFNT) and prostaglandins (PGs) like PGE2, PGF2alpha, and PGI2.
- PGs are synthesized by PG synthase 2 (PTGS2); its inhibition blocks conceptus elongation.
- IFNT influences endometrial gene expression vital for conceptus elongation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that conceptus-derived PGs regulate endometrial functions essential for conceptus elongation.
- To investigate the specific roles of IFNT and different PGs in modulating endometrial gene expression and luminal composition.
Main Methods:
- Cyclic ewes received intrauterine infusions of IFNT, PGE2, PGF2alpha, or PGI2 from Days 10-14 postestrus.
- Gene expression analysis of endometrial tissues for key regulatory genes.
- Measurement of glucose and total amino acid levels in the uterine lumen.
Main Results:
- IFNT, PGE2, and PGI2 upregulated endometrial genes (GRP, IGFBP1, LGALS15) supporting trophectoderm migration.
- All PGs and IFNT increased HEXB expression; IFNT uniquely increased CST6.
- Differential regulation of CTSL, ANGPTL3, HIF1A, glucose transporters (SLC2A1, SLC2A5, SLC2A12, SLC5A1), and amino acid transporters (SLC1A5, SLC7A2) by IFNT and PGs.
Conclusions:
- Conceptus-derived PGs and IFNT act coordinately to regulate endometrial functions.
- These signals are critical for conceptus growth and development during the peri-implantation period in sheep.
- Findings highlight the complex interplay between conceptus signals and maternal endometrium in establishing pregnancy.
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