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Interferon-gamma gene expression in cycling and pregnant mouse uterus: temporal aspects and cellular localization
1Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160-7400, USA.
Insights
Local interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) influences uterine cells during the estrus cycle and pregnancy. This cytokine is prominent in early and late pregnancy, affecting immune cell programming.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive immunology
- Cytokine signaling
- Uterine biology
Background:
- Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine.
- It regulates hematopoietic cell development and function.
- The role of locally produced IFN-gamma in the uterus is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and source of locally produced IFN-gamma in mouse uteri.
- To determine if IFN-gamma influences uterine hematopoietic cells during the estrus cycle and pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry to detect IFN-gamma protein.
- In situ hybridization to identify IFN-gamma mRNA.
- Analysis in cycling and pregnant mouse uteri at various gestational stages.
Main Results:
- In cycling uteri, IFN-gamma was found in epithelial cells during estrus.
- In pregnant uteri, IFN-gamma was prominent at early (days 6-10) and late (day 18) stages.
- IFN-gamma-producing cells included epithelial cells, NK cells, macrophages, trophoblast cells, and metrial gland cells.
Conclusions:
- Locally produced IFN-gamma can influence uterine cells via autocrine and paracrine signaling.
- Uteroplacental IFN-gamma likely plays a significant role during early and late pregnancy.
Abstract:
Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that modulates hematopoietic cell maturation, differentiation, activation, and apoptosis. To evaluate the postulate that locally produced IFN-gamma could influence uterine hematopoietic cells, specific protein was detected by immunohistochemistry and messenger RNA (mRNA) was identified by in situ hybridization in cycling and pregnant mouse uteri. In cycling uteri, IFN-gamma was limited to luminal and glandular epithelial cells during the estrus phase of the cycle. In pregnant uteri, IFN-gamma was prominent at early (gestation day 6-10) and late (gestation day 18) stages. IFN-gamma-producing cells identified by in situ hybridization included uterine epithelial cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, placental trophoblast cells, and cells in the degenerating metrial gland. Collectively, the data indicate that programming of immune and other cells via autocrine and paracrine pathways could be achieved by locally produced IFN-gamma, and suggest that uteroplacental IFN-gamma may be most influential during early and late stages of pregnancy.