Immunolocalization of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the reproductive tract of the mare

I. Rodriguez Hurtado, A. J. Stewart, D. F. Wolfe, F. J. Caldwell, M. Harrie, E. M. Whitley

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Hyaluronan (HA), a glycosaminoglycan, is a major component of the pericellular matrix which envelopes mammalian cells. Binding of hyaluronan to one of its specific receptors, CD44, modulates transduction of intracellular signals which direct a variety of processes, including embryogenesis, wound healing, inflammation, and neoplasia. Since regulation of these processes is critical to equine reproductive success, localization of constitutive CD44 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods in ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues from healthy mares. Ovarian stroma contained thecal cells with varying CD44 immunopositivity. Follicular and granulosa cells of some antral and atretic follicles were positive for CD44. In the oviduct, the luminal epithelium was variably positive for CD44, with overall decreasing intensity of immunostaining from the infundibulum to the isthmus. The CD44 molecule was expressed strongly by surface epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium, but was present only rarely among cells of uterine glands. In addition, CD44 was expressed by smooth muscle cells of vascular walls, oviduct, and uterus. Since CD44 is known to modulate cell movement and differentiation, and was present at multiple sites in the reproductive tract of normal mares, we inferred there may be an important role for the HA-CD44 signaling pathway in reproductive function and inflammation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)276-286
Number of pages11
JournalTheriogenology
Volume75
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • CD44
  • Horse
  • Hyaluronan receptor
  • Ovary
  • Oviduct
  • Uterus

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Small Animals
  • Food Animals
  • Animal Science and Zoology
  • Equine

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