Estrus synchronization affects WNT signaling in the porcine reproductive tract and embryos

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate an effect of estrus synchronization with prostaglandin (PG) F2α and PMSG/hCG on WNT4, WNT5A, WNT7A, β-catenin (CTNNB1) and E-cadherin (CDH1) gene expression. The weight of the uterus, morphometrical parameters of the endometrium and the number of CL were recorded. The analysis of estradiol (E2), prostaglandin (PG) F2α and E2 content in the uterine luminal flushings (ULFs) and progesterone (P4) level in the blood serum were conducted. RNA was isolated from endometrial, luteal and embryonic tissue of pregnant non-synchronized (Control; n = 15) and pregnant synchronized (PGF2α/PMSG/hCG; n = 15) pigs. Whereas there was no change in uterine weight, differences in height of endometrial surface and glandular epithelium were found. However, height of the endometrium, number of the glands and capillaries were unaffected. The total number of the CLs was higher (P < 0.05) in animals treated with PGF2α/PMSG/hCG. The amount of E2 and P4 was lower (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively) in pregnant gilts administrated with PGF2α/PMSG/hCG. The concentration of PGF2α in ULFs was not affected by hormonal management, while PGE2 was higher (P < 0.01) in hormonally in comparison to non-hormonally treated pigs. The content of WNT4 mRNA in conceptuses increased on particular Days studied in Control and PGF2α/PMSG/hCG administered animals. WNT7A and CTNNB1 were affected by PGF2α/PMSG/hCG treatment in both conceptuses (P < 0.001, P < 0.05) and endometrial tissue (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). The PGF2α/PMSG/hCG treatment resulted in elevated expression of WNT4 (P < 0.001) and CTNNB1 (P < 0.05) in luteal tissue in comparison to the Control gilts. Moreover, luteal amount of WNT5A mRNA was higher in PGF2α/PMSG/hCG animals in comparison to the Control group (P < 0.05). Presented data show that exogenous hormones administration can affect gene expression in the porcine reproductive tract and embryo.