Abstract
Hyaluronan (HA; hyaluronic acid), a member of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) family, is the main polysaccharide and is expressed in almost all tissues including those of the reproductive tract. Three different hyaluronic acid-synthase (HAS) enzymes, HAS1, HAS2, and HAS3, synthesise HA. The action of HA depends on its molecular size and its cell surface receptor (CD44). Hyaluronidases (HYAL) are a group of enzymes, HYAL-1 and HYAL-2, that degrade HA. Roles of the HA system in reproductive events include oocyte maturation, fertilization, and implantation. It is also known that ovarian steroids, specifically progesterone, regulate the HA system in the endometrium. Moreover, HA-mediated cell signalling participates in embryonic development. The aim of this study was to evaluate expression of the HA system at the mRNA level in the early pregnant ovine endometrium at pre-implantation stage. Therefore, endometrial tissue samples were collected on Day 13 of the oestrous cycle (n = 10) and pregnancy (n = 14). Relative mRNA expression levels of HA system genes were quantified using quantitative RT-qPCR. Data were analysed using one-way ANOVA and l.s.d. test. All of the studied components of the HA system (HAS1, HAS2, HAS3, HYAL1, HYAL2, and CD44) were expressed in the ovine endometrium. Steady-state mRNA levels of HAS1, HYAL1, HYAL2, and CD44 were not significantly different between cyclic and early pregnant ovine endometrium on Day 13. However, expression of HAS2 and HAS3 appeared to be down-regulated in early pregnancy. Considering that both cyclic and pregnant endometrium on Day 13 is under the influence of progesterone, detected differential regulation of some components of HA system in the ovine endometrium may be directly related to the effects of the presence of an embryo. The role of the HA system in ovine endometrium at later stages of pregnancy warrants further investigation. Partially funded by TUBITAK-112R022 to ZK and SUBAP to AG.
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