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Uterine Tissues (uterine + tissue)

Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	92%

Selected Abstracts

Expression of MHC-I and -II in Uterine Tissue from Early Pregnant Bitches

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009
S Schäfer-Somi
Contents The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I and -II in uterine tissues from pregnant and non-pregnant bitches, taken at different time periods after mating. The pregnant bitches were ovariohysterectomized during the pre-implantation (group 1, n = 4), implantation (group 2, n = 7) and placentation stage (group 3, n = 7). Non-pregnant animals in diestrus served as controls (group 4, n = 7). The expression of MHC- I and -II in salpinx, apex, middle horn, corpus uteri and at implantation sites was investigated by immunohistochemistry as well as qualitative and quantitative RT-PCR; MHC-I mRNA was detected in all tissues and with quantitative RT-PCR, and no significant changes were detected until placentation. Immunohistologically, at the apex and corpus site, the average number of MHC-II positive cells increased from the pre-implantation to the post-implantation stage (apex: 1.54 ± 1.21 to 3.82 ± 2.93; corpus: 1.62 ± 1.9 to 5.04 ± 4.95; p < 0.05). The greatest numbers of MHC-II positive cells were observed at placentation sites (6.64 ± 5.9). In parallel, a marked increase in the relative mRNA expression of MHC-II in uterine tissues was assessed from the pre-implantation to the placentation stage (relative to Glycerinaldehyd-3-phosphate-Dehydrogenase (GAPDH): 6.9 ± 9.5, 8.4 ± 5.8, p > 0.05). Immunohistologically, in the salpinx, significantly greater numbers of MHC-II positive cells were found in the tissues of pregnant animals than in the control group (p < 0.05). It is proposed that the increase in MHC-II is pregnancy-related, even though the impact on maintenance of canine pregnancy is still unclear. [source]

IL-1 Activity is Expressed Differently During Pregnancy in the Rat Uterine Artery than in Aortic or Uterine Tissues

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 3 2002
Mahmoud Huleihel
PROBLEM:,Uterine artery was shown to be unique in its capacity to change in size and function during pregnancy. As interleukin-1 (IL-1) was shown to be involved in reproduction processes, the aim of this study was to determine the levels of IL-1 activity of the uterine artery tissue in pregnant rat. METHOD OF STUDY:,Nine virgins and nine midpregnant rats were selected. Both uterine arteries were obtained, together with reference tissues from aorta and uterus. The levels of IL-1 were examined in the above tissues after culturing with media alone (control; CT), and media that contained stimulants like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-,) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS). IL-1-like activity was evaluated by its capacity to promote the culture growth of 1A-5 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte derived (CTLD) cell lines. This activity was expressed as optical density (OD)/mg protein of the examined organ. RESULTS:,Uterine artery tissue, of pregnant rats, cultured in medium alone produced significantly higher levels of IL-1 than uterine artery of virgin animals under the same conditions (16.2 S.E. 1.3 versus 0.6 S.E. 0.05 OD/mg protein, respectively; P < 0.02). Stimulation of uterine artery in vitro by LPS and TNF increased their capacity to secrete IL-1. In comparison with uterine artery, aorta produced higher levels of IL-1 in virgin rats compared with pregnant rats (13.6 S.E. 1.2 versus 1.6 S.E. 0.1; P < 0.02). Stimulation of aorta tissues (from both virgin and pregnant rats) with LPS, in vitro, significantly decreased their capacity to secrete IL-1 (P < 0.04). Stimulation of aorta tissues from virgin rats with TNF-,, in vitro, did not change their capacity to secrete IL-1 activity. However, stimulation of aorta tissues from pregnant rats with TNF-, decreased the secretion of bioactive IL-1. The levels of IL-1 produced by uterine tissues from virgin and pregnant rats were similar, and stimulation with either LPS or TNF-, significantly decreased their capacity to secrete IL-1 (P < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:,The high level of IL-1 activity detected during pregnancy in the uterine artery may suggest its unique involvement in the changes occurring throughout pregnancy in those blood vessels. [source]

Expression of Genes in the Canine Pre-implantation Uterus and Embryo: Implications for an Active Role of the Embryo Before and During Invasion

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 6 2008
S Schäfer-Somi
Contents The aim of the present study was to assess genes expressed in maternal uterine tissue and pre-implantation embryos which are presumably involved in maternal recognition and establishment of canine pregnancy. For this purpose, 10 pregnant bitches were ovariohysterectomized between days 10 and 12 after mating. Four non-pregnant bitches served as controls. Early pregnancy was verified by flushing the uterine horns with PBS solution. The collected embryos (n = 60) were stored deep-frozen (,80°C). Uterine tissue was excised, snaps frozen in liquid nitrogen and homogenized using TRI Reagent. All embryos from one litter were thawed together and also homogenized in TRI Reagent. RT-PCR was performed to prove mRNA expression of progesterone receptor, key enzymes of the prostaglandin synthesis pathway, selected growth factors, cytokines, immune cell receptors, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and matrix-metalloproteinases (MMP). Only pregnant uteri revealed the presence of mRNA for interferon (IFN)-,, IL-4 and CD-8, which resembles the milieu in humans and other mammalians. Similarly, in day 10 embryos, mRNA for transforming growth factor-,, insulin-like growth factor-1,-2, hepatocyte growth factor, leukaemia inhibitor factor, tumour necrosis factor-,, interleukin-1,,-6,-8, cyclooxygenase-2, CD4+ cells, and MMP-2 and -9 were detected, but not MHC-I or -II. We therefore suppose that the canine embryo, like its human counterpart, actively initiates measures to prevent attacks from the maternal immune system to prepare its own adhesion, nidation, growth and further development. [source]

Uterine Progesterone Receptor and Leukaemia Inhibitory Factor mRNA Expression in Canine Pregnancy

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 2009
S Schäfer-Somi
Contents The study investigated the expression of genes for progesterone receptor (PR) and for the cytokine leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) in the uterine tube and uterine horn tissues from pregnant and non-pregnant bitches. The aim was to study whether a relation existed between the likely biological effectiveness of progesterone (P4) and the change in the uterine expression of LIF mRNA during pregnancy, as has been described in primates. For this purpose, 20 pregnant bitches were ovariohysterectomized after being allotted to three groups according to gestational age (pre-implantation: days 10 to 12, n = 7; peri-implantation: days 18 to 25, n = 7; post-placentation: days 28 to 45, n = 7). Tissue samples were obtained from the uterine tubes, one uterine horn (including placentation sites and interplacental sites in bitches that had already implanted) and the corpus uteri, stored at ,80°C, and then analysed by qualitative and quantitative PCR for PR and LIF mRNA expression. From the pre-implantation to the placentation stage, a decrease in the relative expression of PR mRNA in uterine tissue was obvious and significant when expressed relative to ,-actin (11.2 ± 6.8 vs 2.7 ± 1.9; p < 0.05). However, over the same period, the relative expression of LIF mRNA increased (10.1 ± 16.1 vs 50.0 ± 32.3; p < 0.05). In addition, PR mRNA went from being detectable to no longer detectable in the uterine tube, and no longer detectable in interplacental-site uterine tissue. We conclude that LIF is important for the establishment of canine pregnancy; that decreased uterine PR mRNA expression may contribute to the increase in uterine LIF mRNA; and, that the ability of the embryo to preserve PR mRNA expression at implantation and placentation sites while expression is lost in the remainder of the uterus represent an effect important to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. We additionally propose that canine embryo secretory proteins have a regulatory effect on both PR and LIF before as well as at and after implantation. [source]

Expression of Genes in the Canine Pre-implantation Uterus and Embryo: Implications for an Active Role of the Embryo Before and During Invasion

Mifepristone (Ru486) Antagonizes Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-3 Down-Regulation at Early Mouse Pregnancy Revealing Immunomodulatory Events in Ru486 Induced Abortion

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 1 2004
Jaya Nautiyal
Problem:, The survival of an embryo bearing the paternal antigens within the immunocompetent environment of the maternal uterus renders ,pregnancy' to be a state of immunological paradox. The ratio of Th1/Th2 responses is crucial for pregnancy maintenance. Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-3 (MCP3) is a pro-inflammatory, CC chemokine and a Th1 effector which is capable of eliciting significant anti-tumoral immune responses. Method of study:, MCP3 expression was investigated in the murine uterine tissue at different days of initial pregnancy and the effect of RU 486 in immature and delayed implantation model studied using Western blotting and Immunocytochemical techniques. Results and conclusion:, Our results show very high uterine MCP3 expression during pre-implantation followed by a significant MCP3 down-regulation at peri-implantation and low levels of MCP3 during post-implantation period. At the peri-implantation stage, embryos exhibited lowered MCP3 expression when compared with the pre-implantation stage. Ru486, a progesterone antagonist when given in a competitive mode with progesterone resulted in a massive surge in MCP3 expression in both immature mice and delayed implantation models. We hypothesize that it is imperative for MCP3 expression to be down-regulated for the success of pregnancy. The cross-talk between Ru486 and amplified MCP3 expression may be one of the mechanisms by way of which RU486 performs its abortificient and anti tumor role. [source]

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone reduces the size of experimental endometriosis in the rat model

AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
Hakan AYTAN
Abstract Background:, The effect of rosiglitazone, an activator of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma, on the growth of ectopic uterine tissue was assessed. Methods:, Endometriosis was surgically induced in 28 rats by transplanting an autologous fragment of endometrial tissue onto the inner surface of the abdominal wall. Four weeks later, rats were randomly grouped and a second laparatomy was performed. The length, width, height and volume of the explants were measured. Rosiglitazone at 0.2 mg/kg/day was orally administered to one group, while vehicle treatment was given to the control group. Four weeks later, rats were sacrificed and ectopic uterine tissues were re-evaluated morphologically and histologically. Scoring system was used to evaluate the preservation of epithelia. Results:, One rat in the study group and two rats in the control group died as a result of complications related to surgery. There was a significant difference in post-treatment length, width, height, and spherical volumes between control and rosiglitazone-treated groups. The epithelia were found to be preserved significantly better in the control group when compared with the rosiglitazone-treated group. Conclusion:, Rosiglitazone was found to cause regression of experimental endometriosis in rats. [source]

A cloning and expression analysis of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins expressed in trophoblasts of the white-tail deer placenta,

MOLECULAR REPRODUCTION & DEVELOPMENT, Issue 11 2007
Gretchen A. Brandt
Abstract The pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are placental proteins that have been cloned from swine, sheep, goats, and cattle, but never from animals within the Cervidae family. The goal of this work was to characterize PAGs in white-tailed deer. Placenta and uterine tissues were collected from pregnant does at days 85 and 90 of pregnancy. RNA from cotyledons was used to amplify deer PAGs by RT-PCR. Ten distinct cDNAs were cloned and sequenced. Some normally conserved amino acids comprising the catalytic site were found to be altered in deer PAGs 4, 5, and 8; another PAG, (PAG-9) was a splice variant that lacked exon 7. In each case, these mutations would likely preclude proteolytic activity for these proteins. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that most of the deer PAGs fell within the ancient PAG grouping. The remainder fell within the more modern (BNC-specific) PAG group. Western blotting was performed with anti-PAG antibodies and this analysis revealed that deer PAGs comprise a heterogeneous group based on different antigenicities and electrophoretic mobilities. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed some unique localization patterns of PAGs in the deer placentome compared to those in other ruminants. Most notably, deer PAGs 4 and 5, which according to the phylogeny, are "ancient PAGs," were expected to be present in all trophoblasts; instead, they were localized to the BNC. Although many of the PAGs identified here are very similar to those in Bovidae, some are clearly distinct in their expression pattern and probably possess functional roles unique to cervid reproduction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1355,1362, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Expression of MHC-I and -II in Uterine Tissue from Early Pregnant Bitches

Immunohistochemical Studies on Oestrogen Receptor Alpha (ER,) and the Proliferative Marker Ki-67 in the Sow Uterus at Different Stages of the Oestrous Cycle

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 1 2003
S Sukjumlong
Contents In order to better understand physiological changes during the different stages of the oestrous cycle, immunohistochemistry was used in the present study to investigate the distribution of oestrogen receptor alpha (ER,) as well as the proliferative marker Ki-67, in the sow uterus during the oestrous cycle. Uterine samples were collected from multiparous sows with normal reproductive performance at selected stages of the oestrous cycle: at late dioestrus (d 17), prooestrus (d 19), oestrous (d 1), early dioestrus (d 4) and dioestrus (d 11,12), respectively. The tissue samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin and subjected to immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against ER, (C-311) and Ki-67 (MM-1). In general, the immunostaining of both ER, and Ki-67 was confined to nuclei of the target cells. Variations were seen, not only at the different stages of the oestrous cycle, but also in the different tissue compartments of the uterus. In the epithelia, the strongest ER, staining and highest amount of positive Ki-67 cells were found at early dioestrus. In the myometrium, the highest levels of staining of both ER, and Ki-67 positive cells were found at pro-oestrus and oestrus. For the proliferative marker, Ki-67, no positive cells were found at dioestrus and late dioestrus in the epithelium and myometrium. In the connective tissue stroma (subepithelial layer), the highest number of ER, positive cells were found at oestrus, which was significantly different compared with other stages (p,0.05), whereas the levels of Ki-67 positive cells were relatively low and did not differ between the stages examined. Significant correlations between the number of ER, positive cells in the stroma and Ki-67 positive cells in the epithelia were observed. This suggests indirect regulatory mechanisms on epithelial proliferation via ER, in the stroma. In conclusion, these findings in the sow uterus show that the presence of ER, as well as Ki-67 protein varies not only between different stages of the oestrous cycle but also between different tissue compartments of the uterus. These findings indicate various regulatory mechanisms and stress the importance of localising ER, and proliferating cells in different uterine tissues. [source]

IL-1 Activity is Expressed Differently During Pregnancy in the Rat Uterine Artery than in Aortic or Uterine Tissues

Effects of LPS and IL-6 on Oxytocin Receptor in Non-Pregnant and Pregnant Rat Uterus

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE IMMUNOLOGY, Issue 2 2000
XIN FANG
PROBLEM: Little is known regarding the regulation of the timing of parturition. Recent evidence suggests an interaction between the immune system and uterine contractility in late gestation. METHOD: Pregnant rats were treated with LPS in vivo in attempts to establish a model of premature parturition induced by the pro-inflammatory response. Uterine explants were incubated in vitro to determine the effects of IL-6 on uterine synthesis of oxytocin (OT) and its receptor (OTR). RESULTS: LPS injection was quite toxic to pregnant rats and gave extremely variable results. In animals that delivered, there was a marked increase in the uterine concentrations of OTR and OTR mRNA. There was no consistent effect regarding the timing of parturition. IL-6 caused a significant increase in the concentration of OTR mRNA in uterine explants from pregnant rats but not in tissues from non-pregnant animals. CONCLUSION: Rat uterine concentrations of OTR are regulated by IL-6. Pro-inflammatory cytokines may stimulate uterine contractility in late gestation rat uterine tissues through a mechanism involving stimulation of OTR. [source]