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At least 559 records · Page 31Linked to original sources
PubMed2006

Reproductive outcome of septate uterus after hysteroscopic treatment with neodymium:YAG laser.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess fertility outcome and obstetrical prognosis of 46 patients after hysteroscopic section of uterine septa with neodysmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. BACKGROUND DATA: Approximately 15-25% of spontaneous miscarriages are related to Müllerian fusion defects, most of which are associated with uterine septa. Operative hysteroscopy is a safe and effective treatment for uterine septa. METHODS: Forty-six sterile patients with septate uterus received hysteroscopic metroplasty with Nd:YAG laser. Forty-one patients with incomplete septate uterus were under the guidance of B-ultrasonography, while the other 5 patients with complete septate uterus were treated by laparoscopy. RESULTS: The metroplasty was successfully conducted in 45 patients, with a success rate of 98% (45 /46). Postoperative follow-up examinations of 28 patients revealed pregnancy within 12 months in 20 patients, 16 of whom acquired term delivery. The pregnancy rate within 1 year was 71%. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic treatment of septate uterus with Nd:YAG laser is effective. The cervix may not be excessively dilated, the intraoperative bleeding can be thoroughly controlled, and the procedure under local anesthesia is relatively safe.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Influence of position and length of uterus on implantation and clinical pregnancy rates in IVF and embryo transfer treatment cycles.

In a prospective study of 807 consecutive women shown to have an apparently normal uterus after hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy or pelvic ultrasonography prior to IVF or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer, the position and length of the uterine cavity was measured routinely at a pre-treatment mock transfer procedure. The apparent length of the uterine cavity was <7 cm in 128 women (group 1), 7-9 cm in 594 women (group 2) and >9 cm in 85 women (group 3). The uterus was noted to be retroverted in 38. 2% (308) women. The embryo transfer catheter was advanced to 5 mm from the uterine fundus based on the previously determined cavity length in all the embryo transfer procedures at 48 h after oocyte collection. Implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were not significantly different with respect to position of the uterus, difficulties encountered in passage of the catheter, mean age of the women, aetiology or duration of infertility or embryology events. An apparently greater cavity length was seen in older and/or parous women, but the difference was not statistically significant. Although the highest implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were seen in women with a cavity length of 7-9 cm (group 2) the differences were not statistically significant: group 1, 18.9 and 36. 7%; group 2, 21.0 and 46.5%; and group 3, 17.3 and 32.9% respectively. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy per reported clinical pregnancy was highest in group 1 women, being 14.9% (7/47) in comparison with group 2 (1.8%, 5/276) and group 3 (0%, 0/27) (P: < 0.0005), suggesting that the size of the uterus is a critical factor in the aetiology of ectopic pregnancy in IVF/ICSI-embryo transfer.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Undescended ovary and unicornuate uterus: simplified diagnosis by the use of clomiphene citrate ovarian stimulation and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

BACKGROUND: Although the association between unicornuate uterus and undescended ovaries is well established, little information is available on this entity, suggesting the possibility that many cases are not recognized at all. Consequently, important clinical information is missed in many patients worldwide. METHODS: During a period of 5 years, eight cases of unicornuate uterus were observed in our infertility clinic. The first three patients received magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after mild clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulation due to a discrepancy between estradiol levels and follicular growth and because a suspected ectopic ovary could not be visualized on ultrasound. Based on this experience, five consecutive patients were offered MRI after CC stimulation as part of this study. RESULTS: In five out of eight patients with unicornuate uterus (62.5%) an undescended ovary could be visualized in the upper abdomen. Abdominal ultrasound revealed the ectopic ovary in only two cases. The use of CC stimulation undoubtedly facilitated the diagnosis of the undescended ovary on MRI. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that MRI after CC stimulation is an excellent non-invasive method to diagnose undescended ovaries in women with a unicornate uterus.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Changes in expression of the nitric oxide synthase isoforms in rat uterus and cervix during pregnancy and parturition.

Nitric oxide (NO) is considered to be an important local mediator that suppresses uterine contractility in rats and rabbits during pregnancy until term. The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA concentrations for the three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in rat uterus and cervix and to determine whether alterations occur in association with labour at term or preterm. RNA was isolated from full thickness uterine and cervical tissues from pregnant rats at various times during gestation, during labour at term or preterm and post partum. RNA was analysed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with a single set of amplimers specifically designed to detect all three isoforms of NOS. Three distinct PCR products were detected which corresponded to the expected sizes for endothelial (e)NOS, neuronal (b)NOS and inducible (i)NOS products (805, 521 and 428 bp respectively). In all tissues, the 428 bp product predominated and sequence analysis revealed this to be iNOS mRNA with a very close homology (97%) to the published sequence of rat iNOS. Densitometric analysis showed that uterine iNOS mRNA was increased during pregnancy, decreased on day 22 before labour and decreased further during labour at term. In contrast, cervical iNOS mRNA was low until delivery (day 22) when it increased and was dramatically elevated during labour. Similarly, 3 h after injection with the antiprogestin onapristone, iNOS mRNA was significantly decreased in the uterus (approximately 45%) and increased in the cervix (approximately 245%) when compared with controls. The mRNAs to bNOS and eNOS (corresponding to the 521 and 805 bp bands) were generally greatly reduced in quantity compared with the 428 bp product. The changes in these constitutive isoforms during gestation were minor compared with those in the inducible isoform. We conclude that the iNOS transcript is the most abundant NOS mRNA in the uterus as well as in the cervix and this probably indicates that the inducible NOS is the main isoform present in these tissues. The changes in iNOS mRNA at the end of pregnancy may play a role in the initiation of term labour and cervical ripening. Furthermore, the changes in expression of iNOS can be mimicked during preterm labour following antiprogesterone treatment, and may suggest that progesterone differentially controls the expression of iNOS in the uterus and cervix.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Estrogen regulation of aquaporins in the mouse uterus: potential roles in uterine water movement.

Estrogen stimulates water imbibition in the uterine endometrium. This water then crosses the epithelial cells into the lumen, leading to a decrease in viscosity of uterine luminal fluid. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying this estrogen-stimulated water transport, we have explored the expression profile and functionality of water channels termed aquaporins (AQPs) in the ovariectomized mouse uterus treated with ovarian steroid hormones. Using immunocytochemical analysis and immunoprecipitation techniques, we have found that AQP-1, -3, and -8 were constitutively expressed. AQP-1 expression was restricted to the myometrium and may be slightly regulated by ovarian steroid hormones. AQP-3 was expressed at low levels in the epithelial cells and myometrium, whereas AQP-8 was found in both the stromal cells and myometrium. AQP-2 was absent in vehicle controls but strongly up-regulated by estrogen in the epithelial cells and myometrium of the uterus. This localization implicates all four isotypes in movement of water during uterine imbibition and, based on their localization to the luminal epithelial cells, AQP-2 and -3 in facilitating water movement into the lumen of the uterus. The analysis of the plasma membrane permeability of luminal epithelial cells by two separate cell swelling assays confirmed a highly increased water permeability of these cells in response to estrogen treatment. This finding suggests that estrogen decreases the luminal fluid viscosity, in part, by enhancing the water permeability of the epithelial layer, most likely by increasing the expression of AQP-2 and/or the availability of AQP-3. Together these results provide novel information concerning the mechanism by which estrogen controls water imbibition and luminal fluid viscosity in the mouse uterus.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2004

Inhibition of the beta-catenin signaling pathway in blastocyst and uterus during the window of implantation in mice.

Beta-catenin, the mammalian homolog of Drosophila armadillo protein, was first identified as a cadherin-associated protein at cell-cell junctions. Another function of beta-catenin is the transduction of cytosolic signals to the nucleus in a variety of cellular contexts, which usually are elicited by the active form of beta-catenin. The aim of the present study was to examine the potential role of active beta-catenin in the mouse embryo and uterus during embryo implantation. Active beta-catenin was detected differentially in mouse embryos and uteri during the peri-implantation period. Aberrant activation of beta-catenin by LiCl, a well-known glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitor, significantly inhibited blastocyst hatching and subsequent adhesion and outgrowth on fibronectin. Results obtained from pseudopregnant and implantation-delayed mice imply an important role for implanting blastocysts in the temporal and spatial changes of active beta-catenin in the uterus during the window of implantation. Collectively, these results suggest that the beta-catenin signaling pathway is inhibited in both blastocyst and uterus during the window of implantation, which may represent a new mechanism to synchronize the development of preimplantation embryos and differentiation of the uterus during this process.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Differential effects of estrogen and raloxifene on messenger RNA and matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity in the rat uterus.

A detailed analysis of the differential effects of estrogen (E) compared to raloxifene (Ral), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), following estrogen receptor (ER) binding in gynecological tissues was conducted using gene microarrays, Northern blot analysis, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 activity studies. We profiled gene expression in the uterus following acute (1 day) and prolonged daily (5 wk) treatment of E and Ral in ovariectomized rats. Estrogen regulated twice as many genes as Ral, largely those associated with catalysis and metabolism, whereas Ral induced genes associated with cell death and negative cell regulation. Follow-up studies confirmed that genes associated with matrix integrity were differentially regulated by Ral and E at various time points in uterine and vaginal tissues. Additional experiments were conducted to determine the levels of MMP2 activity in uterus explants from ovariectomized rats following 2 wk of treatment with E, Ral, or one of two additional SERMs: lasofoxifene, and levormeloxifene. Both E and lasofoxifene stimulated uterine MMP2 activity to a level twofold that of Ral, whereas levormeloxifene elevated MMP2 activity to a level 12-fold that of Ral. These data show that one of the significant differences between E and Ral signaling in the uterus is the regulation of genes and proteins associated with matrix integrity. This may be a potential key difference between the action of SERMs in the uterus of postmenopausal women.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Stanniocalcin (STC) in the endometrial glands of the ovine uterus: regulation by progesterone and placental hormones.

Stanniocalcin (STC) is a hormone in fish that regulates calcium levels. Mammals have two orthologs of STC with roles in calcium and phosphate metabolism and perhaps cell differentiation. In the kidney and gut, STC regulates calcium and phosphate homeostasis. In the mouse uterus, Stc1 increases in the mesometrial decidua during implantation. These studies determined the effects of pregnancy and related hormones on STC expression in the ovine uterus. In Days 10-16 cyclic and pregnant ewes, STC1 mRNA was not detected in the uterus. Intriguingly, STC1 mRNA appeared on Day 18 of pregnancy, specifically in the endometrial glands, increased from Day 18 to Day 80, and remained abundant to Day 120 of gestation. STC1 mRNA was not detected in the placenta, whereas STC2 mRNA was detected at low abundance in conceptus trophectoderm and endometrial glands during later pregnancy. Immunoreactive STC1 protein was detected predominantly in the endometrial glands after Day 16 of pregnancy and in areolae that transport uterine gland secretions across the placenta. In ovariectomized ewes, long-term progesterone therapy induced STC1 mRNA. Although interferon tau had no effect on endometrial STC1, intrauterine infusions of ovine placental lactogen (PL) increased endometrial gland STC1 mRNA abundance in progestinized ewes. These studies demonstrate that STC1 is induced by progesterone and increased by a placental hormone (PL) in endometrial glands of the ovine uterus during conceptus (embryo/fetus and extraembryonic membranes) implantation and placentation. Western blot analyses revealed the presence of a 25-kDa STC1 protein in the endometrium, uterine luminal fluid, and allantoic fluid. The data suggest that STC1 secreted by the endometrial glands is transported into the fetal circulation and allantoic fluid, where it is hypothesized to regulate growth and differentiation of the fetus and placenta, by placental areolae.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Progesterone modulation of specific protein synthesis in the decidualized hamster uterus.

Progesterone-dependent synthesis of specific proteins was studied on Days 6, 7 and 8 of pseudopregnancy in the decidualized hamster uterus. Progesterone withdrawal was induced by removal of subcutaneous steroid implants from ovariectomized animals; hamsters retaining the implants served as controls. Eight hours after hormone withdrawal, myometrial and deciduomal tissues were labeled with [35S]methionine during incubation for 1 h in vitro, and proteins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by autoradiography of the dried gels. Analysis of the two-dimensional gel patterns (maps) revealed both increases and decreases in autoradiographic spot intensity comparing progesterone-withdrawn samples to controls, indicating that progesterone both suppressed and stimulated gene expression in the decidualized uterus. Protein synthesis in the deciduoma was more responsive to hormone withdrawal than that in the myometrium; e.g., 45 changes on Day 7 vs. 26 changes, respectively. The sets of proteins in each tissue responding to progesterone withdrawal through changes in synthesis have been termed "domains." The progesterone domains shifted from day to day during decidualization in size and degree of overlap (changes in protein synthesis common to the domain on different days). Although the degree of overlap was similar in cytosol from both tissues, marked differences were apparent in the overlap of responses in the nucleus. Overlap was extensive in the deciduomal nucleus where six protein spots increased intensity following progesterone removal on each day. In contrast, little overlap was seen between the progesterone domains in the myometrial nucleus. These findings emphasize the differences between these two tissues in their responses to progesterone withdrawal, yet five proteins (one cytosolic, four nuclear) responded similarly to hormone removal in both tissues. These studies show that: 1) progesterone domination of the uterus during pseudopregnancy alters synthesis of many proteins in both the deciduoma and myometrium; 2) progesterone effects on specific protein synthesis during decidualization occur in both positive and negative directions; 3) the proteins modulated by progesterone and, by extension, the genes affected by this hormone are predominantly different in the deciduoma and myometrium, and 4) progesterone modulation of specific protein synthesis in the decidualized uterus is time-dependent, such that the domains of response vary daily in composition, size and overlap.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Mechanical responses of the rat uterus, cervix, and bladder to stimulation of hypogastric and pelvic nerves in vivo.

Mechanical activities of the uterus, cervix, and bladder were recorded in vivo in anesthetized rats during electrical stimulation of either the hypogastric or pelvic nerve. Ovariectomized controls and hormone-treated groups were used as well as pregnant and postpartum rats. Stimulation of either hypogastric or pelvic nerve produced voltage- and frequency-dependent contractions of the three organs with no evidence of apparent inhibition. All evoked responses were completely abolished by tetrodotoxin, suggesting that these nerves are common pathways of innervation to the three organs. Atropine abolished uterine and cervical responses to both hypogastric and pelvic nerve stimulation, whereas bladder responses were only partly reduced. Hexamethonium almost totally blocked the evoked responses of the uterus and cervix. Phentolamine partly blocked uterine and cervical responses, and propranolol or physostigmine enhanced uterine and cervical responses to both hypogastric and pelvic nerve stimulation. These results suggest that motor innervation to the rat uterus and cervix is predominantly postganglionic cholinergic, with some alpha- and beta-adrenergic components, and that the bladder is innervated by mainly cholinergic and also noncholinergic nerves. Estrogen and estrogen-plus-progesterone pretreatment significantly increased the responses of uterus and cervix but not bladder. Uterine and cervical responses to either hypogastric or pelvic nerve stimulation were markedly reduced late in pregnancy and reappeared within 7 days after delivery.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Effect of estriol on the structure and organization of collagen in the lamina propria of the immature rat uterus.

Estradiol produces both hypertrophic and hyperplastic changes in the uterus, and these changes are associated with alterations in the structure of collagen in the lamina propria. Estriol induces only hypertrophic responses in the immature rat uterus; its effects on collagen structure were characterized in this study. Light micrographs of Masson's trichrome-stained sections revealed that the intensity of the collagen stain in the lamina propria of the rat uterus was profoundly reduced, relative to that in controls, 4 h after estriol (40 micrograms/kg) administration. These changes were not evident 24 h after estriol administration. In control uteri, transmission electron micrographs revealed that the collagen fibers surrounding stromal cells formed dense collections of bundles that were seen throughout the extracellular matrix, whereas in tissues exposed to estriol 4 h earlier, large regions of the extracellular spaces were devoid of collagen bundles. The 4-h changes in collagen were eliminated when animals were pretreated with actinomycin D (8 mg/kg) or cycloheximide (4 mg/kg). Dense collections of collagen bundles were present in tissues 24 h after estriol treatment, and their appearance was not altered by actinomycin D or cycloheximide treatment. Alterations in collagen 4 h after hormone administration appeared to be estrogen-specific since dexamethasone (600 micrograms/kg) and dihydrotestosterone (400 micrograms/kg) had no effect. These data provide evidence that the changes in collagen structure in the uterus are associated with events that function during the hypertrophic growth responses induced by estrogens.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Insulin-like growth factor binding proteins show distinct patterns of expression in the rat uterus.

An intrinsic insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, complete with IGF ligands, receptors, and biological responses, is present in the rat uterus, where it is thought to regulate uterine homeostasis by autocrine/paracrine mechanisms. It is known that IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) modulate IGF-I and IGF-II action, but very little information is available concerning their cellular localization in the uterus. Therefore, we have employed in situ hybridization to localize IGFBP-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -6 mRNAs in the adult rat uterus during the estrous cycle. IGFBP-1 was undetectable in all uteri examined. IGFBP-2 mRNA was localized only in the luminal epithelium of the endometrium. It was abundant during proestrus (P1000 h, P2000 h) and early estrus (E0200 h), but was relatively low at other stages of the cycle. IGFBP-3 mRNA was localized to the stroma cells juxtaposed to the endometrium. A weak signal was detected on estrus morning (E0200 h, E1000 h), but high levels of IGFBP-3 mRNA were observed in the stroma cells on Day 12 of pregnancy. IGFBP-4 mRNA was localized only in the luminal epithelium of the endometrium. It was moderately abundant at diestrus I and II, but the signal was very low or absent at other times in the cycle. IGFBP-5 mRNA was localized in the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the myometrium. The IGFBP-5 hybridization signal was maximal at diestrus, weak on proestrus, and moderate during estrus. IGFBP-6 mRNA was also expressed in the myometrium. The signal was strong on estrus morning (E0200 h and E1000 h) and low or absent at other times in the cycle. These results provide the first direct evidence that the genes encoding the six IGFBP are expressed in a tissue-specific manner in the adult rat uterus. Equally important, the levels of the mRNA for each IGFBP appear to change throughout the estrous cycle, but not in a parallel fashion. These results support the hypothesis that inducible and tissue-specific expression of IGFBP-2 to -6 may be involved in modulating the activity of the IGF ligands during the proliferative and secretory phases of the uterine cycle.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF acetylhydrolase activity in rat uterus and placenta during the late stages of pregnancy.

We evaluated the roles of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) activity in late pregnancy. Uterine and placental concentrations of PAF were determined by the washed rabbit platelet aggregation bioassay. Uterine, placental, and plasma PAF-AH activities were also assayed. PAF concentration in the uterus increased 4-fold between Days 15 and 21 of pregnancy. PAF was also determined in the placenta on Days 15 and 21. In contrast to findings in the uterus, the concentration in the placenta was decreased by 75%. Platelet aggregation caused by uterine and placental PAF was inhibited by the PAF receptor antagonists CV-3988 and TCV-309. Plasma and uterine PAF-AH activities decreased significantly between Days 15 and 21. In contrast, the placental PAF-AH activity significantly increased during this same time period. On the basis of these findings, it is suggested that the PAF concentration in the uterus and placenta may be regulated by intracellular PAF-AH and/or plasma PAF-AH activities. Increased PAF activity in the pregnant rat uterus may be related to the initiation of labor due to its known effect on myometrial contraction. Decreased PAF concentration in the placenta may contribute to the fetoplacental circulation due to its known hypotensive activity and the increase in vascular permeability.

1-Alkyl-2-acetylglycerophosphocholine Esterase↗
PubMed1998

Spatial and temporal patterns of expression of cellular retinol-binding protein and cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins in rat uterus during early pregnancy.

Retinoic acid, perhaps the most potent hormonal form of the naturally occurring retinoids (retinol and derivatives), is required in vivo for the maintenance of normal pregnancy and embryo development. However, little is known about the specific sites of action and metabolism in the uterus during pregnancy. In this study we describe the pattern of temporal and cell-specific expression of cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) and cellular retinoic acid-binding proteins type I and type II (CRABP and CRABP[II], respectively) in the rat uterus during the periimplantation period (Day 1 to Day 7 of pregnancy; Day 1 = presence of vaginal plug). Immunohistochemical studies showed that there were dramatic and rapid changes in expression pattern of the retinoid-binding proteins after mating as early as Day 1, as well as a differential expression of these proteins when the mesometrial side and antimesometrial side of the uterus were examined during the periimplantation period. CRABP(II), whose presence has been previously shown to correlate with retinoic acid synthesis in the uterine epithelium, was specifically localized to the luminal epithelium at Day 1, being stronger on the mesometrial side, and then fell to lower levels. CRBP was also expressed in the luminal epithelium on the mesometrial side at Day 1 as well as in some stromal cells, declining at these sites over the next several days. CRABP was localized to some of the stromal cells at Day 1, overlapping CRBP expression. Embryonic implantation was accompanied by the appearance of CRBP and CRABP(II) in the decidual cells. CRBP and CRABP were also present in both smooth muscle layers of the uterus. The changes in the temporal and cell-specific distribution of retinoid-binding proteins imply a multifunctional role of vitamin A in uterine cell proliferation, differentiation, and embryonic implantation. The presence of CRABP(II) suggests that local generation of retinoic acid is important in these processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Expression of connexin-26, -32, and -43 gap junction proteins in the porcine cervix and uterus during pregnancy and relaxin-induced growth.

Connexin (CX) proteins participate in growth, differentiation, and tissue remodeling. Relaxin-stimulated reproductive tissue growth and remodeling may be facilitated by enhanced intracellular communication. This study was an examination of the effects of relaxin in vivo on expression of CX-26, CX-32, and CX-43 in the cervix and uterus of prepubertal pigs. In addition, expression of these proteins was monitored in the sow uterus during pregnancy. Relaxin was administered to prepubertal gilts every 6 h for 54 h. CX expression was characterized by immunoblotting and localized by immunofluorescence. Significant increases in all three CXs were observed in the cervix following relaxin treatment (P < 0.05). Uterine CX proteins were also significantly higher (P < 0.05) in relaxin-treated animals compared to controls. The CX protein level in relaxin-treated animals was similar to that observed during the second half of pregnancy, but below levels found in mature, nonpregnant sows. This is the first evidence for specific CX expression in the porcine cervix, and the first study to show that relaxin increases the expression of CX proteins in the porcine uterus and cervix. The data show that CX proteins are differentially regulated in the uterus of the pig during pregnancy. These data support a role for CX-mediated communication during relaxin-induced reproductive tissue growth and remodeling.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Complex regulation of calcium-binding protein D9k (calbindin-D(9k)) in the mouse uterus during early pregnancy and at the site of embryo implantation.

Establishment of receptive endometrium is essential for implantation. Our aim was to identify and characterize genes uniquely regulated at the sites of implantation in mouse uterus by RNA differential display polymerase chain reaction (DDPCR). One of the gene fragments identified was 86% homologous to rat calcium-binding protein D9k (calbindin-D(9k)); the mouse counterpart had not then been cloned, but subsequently an mRNA sequence of mouse calbindin-D(9k) became available in GenBank (accession number: AF028071). This sequence is 99% homologous to the DDPCR-derived gene tag but has a shorter 3' end. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the sequence of 3' end of the DDPCR product and the 5' end of AF028071, and a full cDNA was obtained. This gene was primarily up-regulated by progesterone, but not by estrogen. It was further increased by the combination of the two steroids. Expression of calbindin-D(9k) was overall increased in the uterus during early pregnancy, but the level was significantly lower in implantation compared to interimplantation sites on Days 4.5 and 5.5 of pregnancy, becoming barely detectable in both sites after Day 6.5. In situ hybridization localized this mRNA predominantly in the luminal epithelium of the pregnant uterus. The complex regulation of calbindin-D(9k) in mouse uterus suggests an important role for this protein during pregnancy.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Nitric oxide synthase in the rabbit uterus and vagina: hormonal regulation and functional significance.

The effects of estrogen (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)), and E(2) and P(4) (E(2)+P(4)) on uterine, vaginal, and cerebellar nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were examined. Additionally, experiments were done to investigate whether NOS-containing nerves were present in the uterus and vagina and the extent to which vaginal smooth muscle response was dependent on nitric oxide (NO). Cytosolic NOS was determined by the formation of [(14)C]citrulline from [(14)C]arginine, and NOS localization was visualized by immunohistochemistry. Vaginal smooth muscle relaxation was induced by electrical field stimulations (EFS). NOS activity in the uterus was markedly down-regulated in all hormone-treated groups. Vaginal NOS activity was nearly 4-fold higher than the uterine NOS activity and was considerably reduced by E(2) or E(2)+P(4) treatment. In contrast to findings in the uterus, P(4) treatment up-regulated vaginal NOS. Hormone treatment had no significant effect on cerebellar NOS. NOS-containing nerves could be demonstrated in the uterus and vagina by immunohistochemistry. Vaginal smooth muscle responded with relaxation after EFS, which was inhibited by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine. A relatively high vaginal NOS, a down-regulation by E(2), an up-regulation by P(4), and NO-dependent response of vaginal smooth muscle suggest a tissue-specific physiological role.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Expression of hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor c-met in the ovine uterus.

Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions (EMI) are necessary for epithelial cell proliferation, differentiation, and function in the uterus and are mediated, in part, by paracrine growth factors of stromal origin. The objective of this study was to determine if hepatocyte growth factor (HGF, scatter factor) and its receptor c-met were present in the ovine uterus and to characterize their temporal and spatial expression during the estrous cycle and pregnancy. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to clone partial cDNAs for ovine HGF and c-met from endometrial total RNA. Northern blot analysis of endometrial RNA revealed expression of a 6-kb mRNA for HGF and an 8-kb mRNA for c-met in ovine endometrium. In situ hybridization demonstrated that HGF mRNA was expressed by stromal cells of the endometrium, whereas c-met mRNA was localized exclusively to luminal and glandular epithelial cells. In the early conceptus, HGF mRNA was expressed by chorioallantoic mesenchyme, and c-met was expressed by trophectoderm. Steady-state levels of endometrial c-met mRNA increased after Day 9 in both cyclic and pregnant ewes. The HGF mRNA was expressed during both the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Results indicate that HGF is a stromal-derived paracrine growth factor in the ovine uterus and placenta that is potentially involved in endometrial epithelial-stromal interactions and chorioallantoic stromal-trophectodermal interactions. In the ovine uterus, HGF may stimulate epithelial morphogenesis and differentiated function required for establishment and maintenance of pregnancy, conceptus implantation, and placentation.

Animals↗