Cells Of Uterine Glands Research Articles

Investigation Of Muc1 and Muc16 Expressions in Uterus Tissue of Kangal or Kangal Cross-Bred Bitches in Proestrus, Metestrus-Diestrus and Anestrus Periods of Sexual Cycles

Mucins are glycoprotein molecules found in mucus secretion. They have important functions in the reproductive system such as sperm motility, elimination of bacterial damage and facilitating implantation. In this study, MUC1 and MUC16 expressions in uterine tissues of Kangal or Kangal cross-bred bitchs in proestrus, metoestrus-dioestrus and anoestrus sexual periods were investigated by immunohistochemical method. Uterine tissues of 15 healthy and adopted Kangal or Kangal cross-bred bitches aged 3-6 years were used in the study. The biches were divided into 3 groups according to sexual cycle periods as proestrus (n=5), metaestrus-dioestrus (n=3) and anaestrus (n=7). As a result, MUC1 was found to be expressed in both cornu and corpus uteri epithelial cells, crypt epithelial cells, uterine gland cells, stratum vascularis, myometrium and perimetrium layers in canine uterus. When oestrus cycles were compared, it was found that expression increased more in the metoestrus-dioestrus phase compared to other phases. Expression of MUC16 was observed in the cornu uteri during the metoestrus-dioestrus phase. In this study, MUC1 and MUC16 were determined to be expressed in the uterine tissue of bitches and their release was found to be affected by hormones.

HISTOPATHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE UTERUS OF INFERTILE SLAUGHTERED BUFFALOES

Agribusiness is the foundation of Pakistan's economy as it contributes 18.9 percentto the nation's GDP. Buffalo is a significant investor with a populace of 38.8 million heads. Theprofitable characteristics of Nili Ravi wild ox are inimitable with some other buffalo breeds on theplanet, while the conceptive qualities are still nadir. The most widely recognized regenerative issuesexperienced are postponed time of pubescence, helpless estrus articulation, low ripeness with AI,deferred baby blues anestrous, and irregularity. These attributes have made it amazingly hard toincrease quick hereditary advancement in this variety. Conceptive biotechnologies assume a key job inbreed improvement by bypassing these obstacles. For this study eighty animals were selected andslaughtered due to reproductive issues and reproductive tracts were collected from the slaughterhouseand observe the tract grossly (texture and shape, any exudate, ovarian structures). Then cut the uterinetissue sample with the size of 2 × 2 × 2cm was fixed in formalin 10% for histopathology. Afterprocessing microscopy was performed to find histopathologic changes (Endometrial epithelium,uterine gland, and inflammatory cells and caruncles status). The grading of animals is labeled asNormal (-), Mild (+), Moderate (++), and Severe (+++) on basis of the degree of infection. The whiteside test was negative for 40% of samples while 60% of animals are positive with different degrees ofaffection. Endometrial epithelium erosion is absent in 31.43% of animals while 68.67% of animalshave erosions. Atrophy of uterine glands was absent in 41.43% of animals while 58.67% of animalscontained atrophy of glands. 11.43% of animals were negative for inflammatory cells while 88.66% ofanimals were positive for inflammatory cells. 20% of animals had normal caruncles while 80% ofanimals had swelled caruncles. Discharge was collected for the white side test from the cervix. 62.86%of animals had serious discharge while 37.14% of animals had a purulent discharge. The color andtexture of the tract are divided into two categories pale and pale reddish with swelling. 54.74% had apale color while 45.26% had a pale and reddish with swelling. In conclusion, 60% of animals wereaffected by endometritis including mild, moderate, and severe. Histopathological parameters and thenature of exudate also showed a significant relationship with endometritis which was indicated by thewhite side test. The treatment of endometritis should be done after the white side test beforeinsemination. In this way, we can improve reproductive performance and conception rate. Furtherstudies are warranted to perform the culture sensitivity test and treat the animals with intra-uterine andsystemic antibiotic therapy.

Oxytocin: A Multi-Functional Biomolecule with Potential Actions in Dysfunctional Conditions; From Animal Studies and Beyond.

Oxytocin is a hormone secreted from definite neuroendocrine neurons located in specific nuclei in the hypothalamus (mainly from paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei), and its main known function is the contraction of uterine and/or mammary gland cells responsible for parturition and breastfeeding. Among the actions of the peripherally secreted oxytocin is the prevention of different degenerative disorders. These actions have been proven in cell culture and in animal models or have been tested in humans based on hypotheses from previous studies. This review presents the knowledge gained from the previous studies, displays the results from oxytocin intervention and/or treatment and proposes that the well described actions of oxytocin might be connected to other numerous, diverse actions of the biomolecule.

Circadian miR-449c-5p regulates uterine Ca2+ transport during eggshell calcification in chickens

BackgroundmiRNAs regulate circadian patterns by modulating the biological clocks of animals. In our previous study, we found that the clock gene exhibited a cosine expression pattern in the fallopian tube of chicken uterus. Clock-controlled miRNAs are present in mammals and Drosophila; however, whether there are clock-controlled miRNAs in the chicken uterus and, if so, how they regulate egg-laying rhythms is unclear. In this study, we selected 18 layer hens with similar ovipositional rhythmicity (each of three birds were sacrificed for study per 4 h throughout 24 h); their transcriptomes were scanned to identify the circadian miRNAs and to explore regulatory mechanisms within the uterus of chickens.ResultsWe identified six circadian miRNAs that are mainly associated with several biological processes including ion trans-membrane transportation, response to calcium ion, and enrichment of calcium signaling pathways. Verification of the experimental results revealed that miR-449c-5p exhibited a cosine expression pattern in the chicken uterus. Ca2+-transporting ATPase 4 (ATP2B4) in the plasma membrane is the predicted target gene of circadian miR-449c-5p and is highly enriched in the calcium signaling pathway. We speculated that clock-controlled miR-449c-5p regulated Ca2+ transportation during eggshell calcification in the chicken uterus by targeting ATP2B4. ATP2B4 mRNA and protein were rhythmically expressed in the chicken uterus, and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays confirmed that ATP2B4 was directly targeted by miR-449c-5p. The expression of miR-449c-5p showed an opposite trend to that of ATP2B4 within a 24 h cycle in the chicken uterus; it inhibited mRNA and protein expression of ATP2B4 in the uterine tubular gland cells. In addition, overexpression of ATP2B4 significantly decreased intracellular Ca2+ concentration (P < 0.05), while knockdown of ATP2B4 accelerated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. We found similar results after ATP2B4 knockdown by miR-449c-5p. Taken together, these results indicate that ATP2B4 promotes uterine Ca2+ trans-epithelial transport.ConclusionsClock-controlled miR-449c-5p regulates Ca2+ transport in the chicken uterus by targeting ATP2B4 during eggshell calcification.

A transcriptome analysis for 24-hour continuous sampled uterus reveals circadian regulation of the key pathways involved in eggshell formation of chicken

Circadian timing system controlled the rhythmic events, for example, ovulation and oviposition in chickens. However, how biological clock mediates eggshell formation remains obscure. Here, A 24-h mRNA transcriptome analysis was carried out in the uterus of 18 chickens with similar oviposition time points to identify the rhythmic genes and to reveal critical genes and biological pathways involved in the eggshell biomineralization. JTK_CYCLE analysis and real-time PCR revealed a total of 1,793 genes from the sequencing database with 23,513 genes (FPKM>1) were rhythmic genes regulating the rhythmic system and the expression of typical clock genes Per2, Cry1, Bmal1, Clock, Per3, and Rev-erbβ were rhythmically expressed, which suggested that endogenous clock in uterus might control the eggshell mineralization. Time of peak expression of the rhythmic genes was analyzed based on their acrophase. The main phases clustered at the periods from Zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) to ZT4 (6:00–10:00) and from ZT10 to ZT14 (16:00-20:00). The rhythmic genes were annotated to the following Gene Ontology terms rhythmic process, lyase, ATP binding, cell membrane component. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed the top 15 rhythmic genes were involved in vital biological pathways, including syndecan (1, 2, 3)-mediated signaling, post-translational regulation of adheres junction stability and disassembly, FoxO family signaling, TGF-β receptor and transport of small molecular pathways. 166 of total 1,235 genes (13.4%) were defined as rhythmic transfer factors (TFs) and they were investigated expression time distribution of cis-elements of circadian clock system D-box, E-box, B-site, and Y-Box within 24 h. Results indicated that rhythmic TFs at each phase are potential drivers of their circadian transcription activities. Compared with the control, the expression abundances of ion transport elements SCNN1G, CA2, SPP1, and ATP1B1 were significantly decreased after the interference of Bmal1 gene in synchronized uterine tubular gland cells. Clock genes changed their expression along with the eggshell formation, indicating that there is circadian clock in the uterus of chicken and it regulates the expression of eggshell formation genes.

MRAP2 regulates endometrial receptivity and function

A successful embryo implantation depends on the synchronization between a competent blastocyst and a receptive endometrium. Recently, potential modulators of endometrial receptivity (OVGP1, MRAP2, ZCCHC12, and HAP1) have been reported likely with a functional role during embryo implantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the gene expression of these genes in the endometrium of infertile women.Eighteen endometrial biopsies, during secretory lutheal phase, were recruited from women with unexplained infertility and women who cannot conceive due to their partners' fertility problems. qRT-PCR was carried out to evaluate MRAP2, OVGP1, ZCCHC12 and HAP1 gene expression. MRAP2 expression was also detected by western blot and it was localized by immunohistochemistry. Morphological analysis was performed by light microscopy.MRAP2 was significantly up-regulated in study vs. control group. Western blot analysis confirmed the observed MRAP2 up-expression. MRAP2 resulted mainly localized in the epithelial cells of uterine glands. Morphological analysis displayed that the epithelium of the uterine glands undergo hypertrophy in women with unexplained infertility in respect to women with male infertility factor.MRAP2 could be considered a mediator of endometrial receptivity likely acting on endometrial stability by binding to MCRs and PKR1.

Effects of Interleukin-1β and -6 on the Expression of Ion Transporters Involved in Eggshell Mineralization in Cultured Hen Uterine Mucosal Tissue.

This study determined the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6) on the expression of eggshell mineralization-related ion transporters in the hen uterus mucosa. Uterine mucosal tissues collected from White Leghorn laying hens were cultured for 1.5 or 3 h in TCM-199 medium with or without 100 ng/mL recombinant chicken IL-1β or IL-6. Total RNA and protein were extracted from the cultured tissues for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analyses and some tissues were processed into paraffin sections for immunostaining with calcium-binding protein D28K (CaBP-D28K) antibody. The gene expression of CaBP-D28K, PMCA1, PMCA2 (plasma membrane calcium-transporting ATPase 1 and 2; calcium pumps), CA2 (carbonic anhydrase 2), and SLC26A9 (solute carrier family 26 member 9; HCO3− transporter) was analyzed by real-time PCR and protein density of CaBP-D28K by western blotting. Expression of CaBP-D28K, PMCA1, PMCA2, CA2, and SLC26A9 was significantly higher in the tissues treated with IL-1β and IL-6 than in the control group at 1.5 h of incubation. Immunoreactive CaBP-D28K was localized in the uterine tubular gland cells in all groups, but its level was significantly lower in the tissues incubated for 1.5 h with IL-1β and IL-6 than in the control group. No significant differences were observed in the expression of all tested genes and CaBP-D28k content between the cytokine-treated and control groups at 3 h of incubation. These results suggest that IL-1β and IL-6 may not suppress the expression of genes related to Ca2+ and HCO3− transportation for eggshell formation, while CaBP-D28K protein content in uterine glandular cells was reduced by these cytokines during the early exposure phase. Thus, IL-1β and IL-6 induced by infections may disrupt the transportation of Ca2+ for eggshell formation through decreased CaBP-D28K content in the uterus.

Expression of Survivin, Bcl‐2 and Bax Proteins in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus) Endometrium During the Oestrus Cycle

Apoptosis has been shown to be an important regulator of endometrium function. To clarify the regulation of apoptosis in the cat endometrium during the normal oestrus cycle, the expressions of the apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax) and their correlation to the inhibitor of apoptosis protein Survivin were analysed using immunohistochemistry. The TUNEL technique (TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labelling) was also used to detect DNA fragmentation characteristic of apoptotic cells. The results demonstrated that TUNEL labelling is not effective for the detection of apoptosis in cat endometrium. Survivin was expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells of cat endometrium during all phases of the oestrus cycle. Survivin was localized in both the cytoplasm and nuclei of superficial and deep uterine gland cells during the luteal phase, while only cytoplasmic staining was observed during the follicular and anoestrus phases. Bax immunoreactivity in the cytoplasm of luminal and glandular epithelial cells as well as the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels was weak in the anoestrus phase. Compared with anoestrus, the intensity of Bax immunostaining was moderate in the follicular phase and increased dramatically in the luteal phase. Bcl-2 immunostaining in the cytoplasm of luminal and glandular epithelial cells was moderate in the anoestrus phase. During the early follicular phase, cytoplasmic Bcl-2 immunostaining was detected mostly in glandular epithelial cells. In the mid-follicular phase, in glands, the amount of Bcl-2 protein increased progressively from the superficial to the deep layer. In contrast, the expression of Bcl-2 decreased in the secretory phase, being very low or absent in the mid- and late luteal phases. The overall results suggest that Survivin, Bax and Bcl-2 proteins may cooperatively contribute to cell apoptosis and cell proliferation in the cat uterus during the oestrus cycle.

Immunolocalization of the hyaluronan receptor CD44 in the reproductive tract of the mare

Hyaluronan (HA), a glycosaminoglycan, is a major component of the pericellular matrix which envelopes mammalian cells. Binding of hyaluronan to one of its specific receptors, CD44, modulates transduction of intracellular signals which direct a variety of processes, including embryogenesis, wound healing, inflammation, and neoplasia. Since regulation of these processes is critical to equine reproductive success, localization of constitutive CD44 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemical methods in ovarian, oviductal, and uterine tissues from healthy mares. Ovarian stroma contained thecal cells with varying CD44 immunopositivity. Follicular and granulosa cells of some antral and atretic follicles were positive for CD44. In the oviduct, the luminal epithelium was variably positive for CD44, with overall decreasing intensity of immunostaining from the infundibulum to the isthmus. The CD44 molecule was expressed strongly by surface epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium, but was present only rarely among cells of uterine glands. In addition, CD44 was expressed by smooth muscle cells of vascular walls, oviduct, and uterus. Since CD44 is known to modulate cell movement and differentiation, and was present at multiple sites in the reproductive tract of normal mares, we inferred there may be an important role for the HA-CD44 signaling pathway in reproductive function and inflammation.

Orphan Receptor Kinase ROR2 is Expressed in the Mouse Uterus

Objective Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site family, member 5A (WNT5A), is expressed in mouse decidua and is thought to play an important role in decidualization. We examined expression of the receptor for WNT5A, receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2), in the uteri of cycling and pregnant mice. Study design Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and immunohistochemistry were performed. Results RT-PCR revealed that transcripts for Ror2, Wnt3a, Wnt5a and inhibitor of WNT signaling, Dickkopf homolog 1 ( Dkk1), were present in the pregnant uterus. Immunohistochemistry revealed that in the virgin uterus, ROR2 is expressed in stromal cells and on the basal side of uterine gland and endometrial epithelial cells. During pregnancy, both the luminal and basal side of uterine gland epithelial cells expressed ROR2, stromal cell expression of ROR2 became more frequent and ROR2 expressing uterine Natural Killer (NK) cells and cells lining the maternal vascular space emerged. Immunofluorescence imaging and flow cytometry revealed that although uterine NK cells expressed ROR2, NK cells of the spleen were ROR2 negative. Conclusion The expression of ROR2 by endometrial epithelial cells may suggest WNT signaling has roles in uterine epithelial cell polarity or implantation. Expression of ROR2 by uterine NK cells may suggest WNT signaling regulates uterine NK cell functions such angiogenesis and regulation of trophoblast migration. In summary, our results show that ROR2 expression by maternal uterine cells is influenced by pregnancy.

Excitatory and inhibitory 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors expressed in the isolated porcine uterine muscles

5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptors mediating excitatory and inhibitory actions of 5-HT on contractility of uterine strips from non-pregnant pigs were characterized. Expression of 5-HT 2A and 5-HT 7 receptors was examined by molecular biological study. 5-HT-containing cells were observed immunohistochemically. In the spontaneously contracting uterine circular muscle layers, 5-HT caused inhibition of contractile activity. SB269970 (5-HT 7 receptor antagonist, 10 nM) shifted the concentration-inhibition curve of 5-HT to the right, but higher concentrations of SB269970 (100 nM–1 μM) changed the monophasic curve to a biphasic curve (mixture of excitatory and inhibitory responses to 5-HT). Addition of ketanserin (5-HT 2 receptor antagonist, 10 nM–1 μM) decreased the excitatory effects of 5-HT. 5-HT was less effective in inhibiting the spontaneous contraction in the longitudinal muscles. Ketanserin enhanced the inhibitory responses and SB269970 reversed the inhibitory responses to excitatory responses. In the presence of SB269970, α-methyl-5-HT was equipotent to 5-HT in increasing contractility of longitudinal muscle and ketanserin competitively inhibited the responses to α-methyl-5-HT (pK d = 8.78). Muscle layer-dependent expression of both 5-HT 2A receptor and 5-HT 7 receptor mRNAs in the porcine uterine muscle layers was demonstrated by RT-PCR and real-time PCR. 5-HT immunoreactivity was detected only in uterine gland cells, which were localized near the uterine circular muscle layers. In the longitudinal and circular muscle layers with endometrium, compounds 48/80 and ketanserin did not change the spontaneous contractility, but SB269970 significantly increased the contractile activity of the circular muscle. In conclusion, excitatory 5-HT 2A and inhibitory 5-HT 7 are present in the uterus of non-pregnant pigs. Endogenous 5-HT containing cells are mainly present in uterine glands of the pig. The possible roles of 5-HT and its receptors in regulation of porcine uterine spontaneous contractility are discussed.

Ultrastructural localization of gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) in the uterine gland of cow.

Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is thought to act mainly as a neurotransmitter and localized almost exclusively to neurons and neuroendocrine cells. Recently, the localization of GRP in mammalian uterus and placenta has been demonstrated. Moreover, the exocrine manner of GRP release was deduced in ewes from the distribution of GRP on the uterine gland cells and its secretion as well as in the circulation. However, these reports have been examined at light-microscopic level. The present study was designed to make clear the localization of GRP in the uterine gland cells of nonpregnant and pregnant cows using an avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex (ABC) method at light-microscopic level and a pre-embedding immunogold with silver enhancement method at electron-microscopic level. The light-microscopic observation showed positive staining for GRP immunoreactivity in the supranuclear region and in the secreted materials of the uterine gland cells. At the electron-microscopic level, the supranuclear secretory granules and the secreted materials on the surface of the cell were labeled with immunogold particles representing GRP immunoreactivity in the uterine gland cells of nonpregnant and pregnant cows. Western blotting analysis showed a larger molecular form of GRP in the endometrial tissues taken from nonpregnant and pregnant cows. The present results revealed the localization of GRP in the uterine gland cells at light- and electron-microscopic levels and suggested the release of GRP from the cell into the lumen of the gland by exocrine manner.

Expression of clusterin in cell differentiation and cell death.

Clusterin, originally isolated as testosterone-repressed prostate message-2 from regressing rat ventral prostate, has been identified with the process of active cell death (ACD). The clusterin gene product is a glycosylated dimer consisting of alpha and beta subunits, resulting from the 70-kilodalton preprotein. To determine its relationship with ACD, we have examined clusterin expression via in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Clusterin message is detected in the supporting cells in both testes and ovaries and the protein surrounds the mature germ cells. The highest level of expression was found in the head region of the epididymis. Clusterin message is also detected in selected cells of uterine glands and ducts both in the normal and pregnant uterus. The expression of clusterin in the developing embryo is most abundant in the choroid plexus, inner ear, and epithelium of the eye. None of the cells in the testes, epididymis, or embryo that express clusterin are undergoing ACD. The expression of clusterin appears to correlate with cell remodelling or differentiation that occurs during these periods of development. However, in the female reproductive system, we found clusterin to be expressed in both differentiating as well as dying cells. These results suggest that clusterin may provide support for cells undergoing specific biochemical and (or) physical changes. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that clusterin is an antiinflammatory agent.

MAST cells in the dermis of rats repeatedly moistened with chloroform: An EM study

Mast cells are a free cell type, usually found in connective. The cells are common in the dermis and are abundant around blood vessels. Heterogeneity in the ultrastructure of mast cell has been documented. Variation of the morphology of the ultrastructure between the regional mast cells has been reported. Cellular relationships has been reported between mast cells and nerves, plasma cell, P neuropeptide and epithelial cells of uterine glands. The purpose of this study is to report the behaviour of mast cells in the dermis of rats repeatedly moistened with chloroform. Specimens were collected from the leg site of rats repeatedly moistened with chloroform, three times per day for three weeks. The collected specimens were immediately immersed in 2% glutaraldehyde in cacodylate sodium buffer at pH 7.4. Then the tissue was post fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated in ethyl alcohol, processed and embedded in Epon. One micron thick sections were stained with toluidine blue for orientation and silver sections were stained with lead citrate and urynal acetate.

Rabbit Endometrial Relaxin: Immunohistochemical Localization during Preimplantation, Pregnancy, and Lactation1

Relaxin was localized in rabbit endometrium (but not ovary) on Days 4-30 of pregnancy and Days 2-5 of lactation. The hormone was not observed on Days 2 and 3 post coitus. Relaxin was found in endometrial glands throughout the length of the uterus on Days 4-9 post coitus. Later, on Days 11-23, relaxin was localized in both uterine endometrial gland cells and luminal epithelial cells. At this time, staining was observed only in the endometrium directly associated with implantation sites. Areas between implantation sites were devoid of staining. On Days 25-30 of pregnancy, relaxin was found mainly in uterine luminal epithelial cells. Few glands were observed with relaxin. During the first week of lactation, the staining profile was the same as that observed on Days 25-30. Relaxin was not found in the endometrium of pseudopregnant rabbits (Days 1, 4, 8, 12, and 16). The early appearance of uterine relaxin at the time the blastocyst migrates into the uterine cavity coupled with the hormone's later confinement to implantation sites suggests that the blastocyst initiates and the conceptus maintains uterine relaxin.

Cytokine production is a function of murine uterine granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells

Cytokine production is a function of murine uterine granulated metrial gland (GMG) cells

Immunological characterization and immunocytochemical localization of a progesterone-dependent cat endometrial secretory protein.

The major objective of this study was to make a polyclonal antibody to a previously described group of progesterone (P)-dependent low molecular weight secretory proteins of the cat uterus. Proteins present in uterine flushings obtained from a P-treated cat were partially purified using Sephadex G-75, separated on two-dimensional polyacrylamide gels, and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. The region containing the polypeptides were cut out, solubilized in dimethyl sulfoxide, mixed with Freund's adjuvant, and injected at 2-wk intervals into a male rabbit. The antiserum used in this study was obtained 8 wk after the initial injection and crossreacted with antigens on Western blots of uterine flushings and uterine culture medium obtained from ovariectomized estradiol (E2)-primed cats treated with P, and from pregnant preimplantation animals. Polypeptides in three molecular weight regions crossreacted with the antisera (Mr approximately equal to 28,000, pI 5.5 6.0; Mr approximately equal to 36,000, pI 6.0 6.5; Mr approximately equal to 41,000, pI 5.5 6.0), and each region consisted of several isoelectric variants. The Mr approximately equal to 28,000 proteins were the dominant form observed in culture media, and the Mr approximately equal to 36,000 proteins were the major form present in uterine flushings. The antigens were not detected in uterine flushings or culture medium obtained from ovariectomized, E2-treated, and estrous animals. The antigens were also absent in serum and other reproductive and nonreproductive tract tissues. Immunocytochemical analysis demonstrated that antigen staining was limited to the epithelial cells of the deeper uterine glands of the P-dominated animal. Immunoperoxidase staining was diffuse throughout the cytoplasm of these epithelial cells. Thus, the epithelial cells of the uterine glands in the P-dominated cat synthesize and secrete a complex group of P-dependent, uterine-specific proteins that may have potential functional significance during early blastocyst development and implantation.

Ultrastructure of uterine glands of mares infused with povidone iodine solution

Infertility in the mare is of major concern in the equine breeding industry. It has been stated that intrauterine infusion of certain solutions will produce an inflammatory reaction in the endometrium. The response of the uterine glands to intrauterine infusion has not been examined. Other investigators have described the epithelial changes of the uterus. This study describes the fine structure of the uterine gland cells and their response to povidone iodine infusion with the emphasis on the mast cell occurrence in the uterine glands and the lamina propria of the uterus

The immunocytochemical localization of a cat uterine protein that is estrogen dependent (CUPED).

An estrogen-dependent polypeptide (CUPED), which was purified from uterine flushings of estrogen-treated cats, was localized in endometrial epithelial cells of cats using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical staining procedure. Epithelial cells from animals treated with estradiol for 4, 7, or 14 days and estrogen-primed animals treated with progesterone for 2 days showed positive immunostaining. Staining was absent in untreated ovariectomized animals and in estrogen-primed animals treated with progesterone for 4 days. Specific cytoplasmic staining was confined to apical secretory granules in nonciliated cells of deep uterine glands. Staining was also commonly observed in the lumen of deep glands. Immunostaining was absent in the cells of the surface epithelium, stroma, and myometrium. In addition, other organs such as the oviduct, kidney, liver, pancreas, and lung showed no evidence of specific immunocytochemical staining. Therefore, the estrogen-dependent polypeptide obtained from uterine flushings of estrogen-treated ovariectomized cats is a uterine-specific secretory product that is packaged in apical cytoplasmic granules of uterine epithelial gland cells before being released into the uterine lumen.

Quantitative morphological changes of the uterine gland cells in relation to physiological events during a pregnancy cycle in Glossina morsitans morsitans

Secretory cells of the uterine gland were investigated morphometrically during the second pregnancy cycle in Glossina morsitans morsitans. In early pregnancy when an egg was present in the uterus, morphometric parameters of the nucleus, the cytoplasm and its organelles were markedly low coincident with low physiological activity in the gland cells. This is the period when a proportion of the assimilated amino acids from the digested blood meals are converted to triglyceride in the fat body and stored. During the second half of pregnancy, when a larva was present in the uterus, there was a striking increase of the cytoplasmic and organelle volumes as well as of the surface areas of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. There was also a marked augmentation of triglyceride-like inclusions, and later of secretory vesicles which released their content into enlarging extracellular reservoirs. This indicated a markedly high activity in the gland cells concomittant with the period of rapid synthesis of large amounts of proteins and lipoproteins destined for the growing intra-uterine larva. Mitochondrial parameters also increased, probably to generate adequate energy for synthesis, transport and secretion of nutriments for the larva. After larviposition, a marked reduction of cellular parameters was measured, and the volume density of lysosome-like structures had increased, indicating that larviposition is followed by degradation of large amounts of cellular organelles involved in biosynthetic processes. Morphometrical investigation of the uterine gland cells demonstrated a temporal correlation of the cellular dynamics with physiological events involved in producing a fully developed third-instar larva at the end of a pregnancy cycle.