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Complement regulation in ovine lymph nodes during early pregnancy
Leying Zhang1, Lidong Cao1, Pengfei Feng1
1Department of Animal Science, School of Life Sciences and Food Engineering, Hebei University of Engineering, Handan, Hebei 056038, P.R. China.
Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine
|January 24, 2022
Summary
Maternal lymph nodes show altered complement component expression during early sheep pregnancy. These changes in complement factors like C1q and C3 may play a role in regulating the maternal immune system during gestation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Reproductive Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Maternal immune adaptation is crucial for successful pregnancy.
- Complement system activation is implicated in pregnancy complications.
- Lymph nodes are key sites for immune regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate complement component expression in maternal lymph nodes during early pregnancy in sheep.
- To understand the role of complement in maternal immune responses during gestation.
Main Methods:
- Sampling of maternal inguinal lymph nodes from ewes at different stages of the estrous cycle and gestation.
- Analysis of complement component (C1q, C1r, C1s, C2, C3, C4a, C5b, C9) mRNA and protein levels using RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Increased C1q, C1s, and C5b mRNA and protein levels during early pregnancy.
- Upregulation of C1r and C4a at day 25 of gestation.
- Peak mRNA and protein levels for C2 and C9 at day 16 of pregnancy.
- Decreased C3 levels at day 25 of pregnancy, with C3 protein localized in lymph node sinuses.
Conclusions:
- Significant changes in complement component expression occur in maternal lymph nodes during early sheep pregnancy.
- These alterations suggest a role for the complement system in maternal immune regulation throughout gestation.
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