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Regulation of conceptus development and attachment in pigs
1Animal Science Department, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078, USA.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Pig conceptuses rapidly elongate and produce estrogen to signal uterine changes for pregnancy. Inter-alpha trypsin inhibitors may prevent invasion while aiding placental attachment.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Pork pregnancy involves conceptus elongation and estrogen synthesis for corpora lutea maintenance.
- Conceptus transformation from spherical to filamentous is crucial for placental attachment and signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of estrogen and protease inhibitors in pig implantation and placentation.
- To understand the molecular mechanisms of conceptus-endometrial interactions during early pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of conceptus morphology and gene expression during elongation.
- Detection of endometrial protease inhibitors, specifically inter-alpha trypsin inhibitors (IαIs).
Main Results:
- Conceptus elongation is associated with changes in uterine estrogen and progesterone receptor expression.
- The pig conceptus exhibits proteolytic activity but is normally confined within the uterine lumen.
- Endometrial expression of IαIs increases during conceptus elongation and attachment.
Conclusions:
- Estrogen produced by the elongating conceptus regulates uterine receptivity and signaling.
- IαIs may play a dual role in preventing trophoblast invasion and facilitating placental attachment via adhesion molecules.