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Porcine conceptus and endometrial retinoid-binding proteins
J P Harney1, M Ali, W V Vedeckis
1Animal Science Department, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611-0691.
Reproduction, Fertility, and Development
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Pig conceptus-secreted retinol-binding protein (RBP) binds both retinol and retinoic acid (RA). Key molecules for retinoid transport and regulation are present in early pregnancy swine tissues.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Molecular Endocrinology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Retinoids, including retinol and retinoic acid (RA), are crucial for embryonic development.
- Understanding retinoid transport and metabolism is vital for reproductive success in swine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of retinol-binding protein (RBP) in porcine conceptus.
- To identify the expression of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in early pregnancy swine tissues.
Main Methods:
- Culturing porcine conceptuses to collect secretory proteins.
- Utilizing Amicon ultrafiltration for protein concentration.
- Performing Northern blot and Western blot analyses to detect mRNA and protein expression.
Main Results:
- A 20-kDa conceptus-secreted RBP was identified, showing specific binding for both retinol and RA.
- Conceptus RBP demonstrated a higher affinity for retinol compared to RA.
- mRNA transcripts for RAR-alpha and RAR-gamma, along with their corresponding proteins, were detected in conceptus, endometrium, and fetal tissues.
Conclusions:
- The porcine conceptus produces a specific RBP capable of binding both retinol and RA.
- Biochemical machinery for retinoid transport, metabolism, and signaling is present in swine conceptus and endometrium during early pregnancy.