Uterine specific antigens in the ewe

Abstract

Uterine flushings from ewes on days 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 of the estrous cycle were analyzed for total protein content. Flushings from days 9, 12 and 15 had greater (P<.01) amounts of protein than those from 0, 3 and 6. Antisera to uterine fluids from ewes at day 10 to 12 or day 14 to 15 of pregnancy detected two uterine-specific antigens in uterine flushings at day 7, 11 and 15 but not at days 0 and 3 of the cycle. A third uterine antigen was also detected in kidney tissue extracts. All three antigens were present in endometrial extracts at each stage examined. Progesterone, or estrogen plus progesterone, administration to ovariectomized ewes induced the appearance of the two uterine-specific antigens. The third antigen was detectable even in ovariectomized ewes. No pregnancy-specific antigens were detected in flushings from days 7, 11 or 15 of gestation. The effect of pregnancy on endometrial protein synthesis was examined in vitro . No differences were seen in the incorporation of 3H-leucine in day 11 pregnant or nonpregnant or in day 14 pregnant or nonpregnant endometrium. No differences in total uterine lumenal protein were observed. Endometrial secretions, obtained by conditioning media with endometrial explant cultures, were evaluated to assess their effect on protein synthesis in day 11 embryos cultured in vitro . No significant effects of endometrial secretions or serum were observed.