Histological changes and transglutaminase 2 expression in the oviduct of advanced pregnant cows

Abstract

The oviduct is a dynamic organ that has not been assigned specific functions during advanced pregnancy. However, since changes in the oviductal epithelium during the estrous cycle are attributed mainly to variations in estradiol (E2) levels, and E2 levels increase along pregnancy, we hypothesized that advanced pregnant cows should present changes in the oviductal epithelium. In advanced pregnant cows, the oviducts showed higher leaf-like folds and lower mucosa width and epithelium height than those of cycling animals. Also, PAS-positive apical protrusions and TUNEL-positive extruded cytoplasmic material were observed in advanced pregnant cows. Oviductal fluid from advanced pregnant cows showed lower protein concentration than that from cycling cows. Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) was detected exclusively in oviductal fluid of pregnant cows but not in cells from any stage, whereas its mRNA was detected in different amounts in cells from all stages. This protein was identified by LC/MS-MS and its identity was corroborated by Western blot. The observations in histology of the epithelium and the presence of TG2 in oviductal fluid correlate with high levels of E2 in serum. In conclusion, important histological changes in the oviductal epithelium and secretion of TG2 to the oviductal fluid appear to be triggered by the high E2 levels exclusive of advanced pregnancy.