Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (PGE 2) plays pleiotropic roles at fetal-maternal interface during establishment of pregnancy. The objectives of the study were to: (i) determine regulation of PGE2 receptors EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 in the endometrium during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy; and (ii) understand endometrial epithelial and stromal cell-specific hormonal regulation of EP2 and EP4 in sheep. Results indicate that: (i) early pregnancy induces expression of EP2 and EP4 but not EP1 and EP3 proteins in the endometrium on days 12-16 compared to that of estrous cycle; (ii) intrauterine infusion of interferon tau (IFNT) increases expression of EP2 and EP4 proteins in endometrium; and (iii) IFNT activates distinct epithelial and stromal cell-specific JAK, EGFR, ERK1/2, AKT, or JNK signaling module to regulate expression of EP2 and EP4 proteins in the ovine endometrium. Our results indicate a role for EP2 and EP4-mediated PGE 2 signaling in endometrial functions and establishment of pregnancy in ruminants.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 211-223 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | Molecular and cellular endocrinology |
Volume | 348 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 2 2012 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Early pregnancy
- Endometrium
- Estrous cycle
- Interferon tau
- PGE2 receptors
- Ruminants
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Endocrinology