Pregnancy recognition signals in mammals: the roles of interferons and estrogens

Fuller W Bazer,Greg A Johnson,Guoyao Wu

doi:10.21451/1984-3143-ar888

Fuller W Bazer, Greg A Johnson + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.21451/1984-3143-ar888

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Journal: Animal Reproduction	Publication Date: Jan 1, 2017
Citations: 26	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Texas A&M University

Abstract

Reproduction is a highly complex biological process requiring a dialogue between the developing conceptus (embryo-fetus and associated placental membranes) and maternal uterus which must be established during the peri-implantation period for pregnancy recognition signaling and regulation of gene expression by uterine epithelial and stromal cells. The uterus provide a microenvironment in which molecules secreted by uterine epithelia or transported into the uterine lumen represent histotroph or the secretome required for growth and development of the conceptus and receptivity of the uterus to implantation by the conceptus. Pregnancy recognition signaling as related to sustaining the functional lifespan of the corpora lutea (CL) which produce progesterone; the hormone of pregnancy essential for uterine functions that support implantation and placentation required for successful outcomes of pregnancy. It is within the periimplantation period that most embryonic deaths occur in mammals due to deficiencies attributed to uterine functions or failure of the conceptus to develop appropriately, signal pregnancy recognition and/or undergo implantation and placentation. The endocrine status of the pregnant female and her nutritional status are critical for successful establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. The challenge is to understand the complexity of key mechanisms that are characteristic of successful reproduction and to use that knowledge to enhance fertility and reproductive health of animals including nonhuman primates. It is important to translate knowledge gained from studies of animals to address issues of fertility and reproductive health in humans.

Highlights

The endocrinology of recurring estrous/menstrual cycles and pregnancy in primates, ruminants, swine, horses, cats, dogs and rodents includes hormonal signaling for maternal recognition of pregnancy and the endocrinology of pregnancy
Luteolytic pulses of PGF are released by uterine luminal (LE) and superficial glandular epithelia that are expressing receptors for estrogens (ESR1) and oxytocin (OXTR), as well as prostaglandin synthase 2 (PTGS2), the rate limiting enzyme in synthesis of prostaglandins
L-NAME and Nor-NOHA were used to assess pathways activated via Arg. Both Nitric oxide (NO) donors and putrescine enhanced cell proliferation in a dosedependent manner and effects of Arg were partially inhibited by both L-NAME and Nor-NOHA. These results indicate that Arg enhances production of polyamines and NO that activate MTOR/FRAP1RPS6K-RPS6 cell signaling to stimulate proliferation and migration of ovine trophectoderm (oTr) cells

Summary

Introduction

The endocrinology of recurring estrous/menstrual cycles and pregnancy in primates, ruminants, swine, horses, cats, dogs and rodents includes hormonal signaling for maternal recognition of pregnancy and the endocrinology of pregnancy. Pregnancy is established and maintained in subprimate mammals in response to signaling from the conceptus and/or anterior pituitary to the uterus and/or CL to exert antiluteolytic effects that prevent uterine release of PGF or act as a luteotrophic signal to directly stimulate development and function of the CL.

Results

Conclusion