scholarly journals Expression of oxytocin, oestrogen and progesterone receptors in uterine biopsy samples throughout the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in cows

Reproduction ◽  
2001 ◽  
pp. 965-979 ◽  
Author(s):  
RS Robinson ◽  
GE Mann ◽  
GE Lamming ◽  
DC Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Luminal Epithelium ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors

This study examined the expression patterns of oxytocin and steroid receptors in the bovine endometrium during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy to elucidate their respective roles in the regulation of luteolysis and the maternal recognition of pregnancy. In Expt 1, uterine biopsies were collected from four cows throughout three oestrous cycles each, to provide daily samples. In Expt 2, uterine tissue was collected on days 12, 14, 16 and 18 of the oestrous cycle (n = 20) or early pregnancy (n = 16). Oxytocin receptor, oestrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor mRNAs were localized by in situ hybridization, and localization of oestrogen receptor and progesterone receptor was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. All three receptors showed time- and cell-specific expression patterns. Oestrogen receptor alpha increased in all regions at oestrus but high concentrations were also found in the luminal epithelium during the mid-luteal phase and in the deep glands throughout the oestrous cycle. Progesterone receptor expression was higher in the stroma than it was in the types of epithelial cell, and increased expression was observed at oestrus and during the early luteal phase. The cyclical upregulation of oxytocin receptors in the luminal epithelium on about day 16 was not related to preceding changes in the endometrial expression of either oestradiol alpha or progesterone receptors. During early pregnancy, oxytocin receptor expression was suppressed. Oestrogen receptor a concentrations increased in the non-pregnant cows and decreased in the pregnant cows between days 16 and 18, but these changes followed rather than preceded the upregulation of oxytocin receptors in the non-pregnant cows. It is concluded that the initial upregulation of oxytocin receptors in the luminal epithelium, which triggers luteolysis, is not associated directly with changes in expression of oestrogen receptor alpha.

Constitutive expression of heat shock proteins hsp25 and hsp70 in the rat oviduct during neonatal development, the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy

Reproduction ◽  
2000 ◽  
pp. 217-223 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Mariani ◽  
M Souto ◽  
MA Fanelli ◽  
DR Ciocca
Keyword(s):  
Heat Shock ◽  
Heat Shock Proteins ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Neonatal Development ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha ◽  
Shock Proteins

Certain heat shock proteins are regulated by steroid hormones and are associated with oestrogen receptor function in reproductive tissues, indicating that these proteins have a role during implantation, decidualization and placentation. In the present study, the expression of hsp25, hsp70 and oestrogen receptor alpha were examined by immunohistochemistry in oviducts from rats during neonatal development, the oestrous cycle and during early pregnancy. Oestrogen receptor alpha was the first protein observed in the neonatal oviduct, and its expression preceded that of hsp70 and hsp25. Although these heat shock proteins have been associated with the oestrogen receptor, this study showed that during early development of the oviduct, the receptor protein was not associated with the concomitant expression of hsp25 and hsp70. However, these heat shock proteins were expressed when oviductal cells became differentiated. In the adult oviduct, hsp70 was more abundant than hsp25, moreover, there were no significant modifications in expression of hsp25 during the oestrous cycle. In contrast, the expression of hsp70 was significantly higher in epithelial cells during dioestrus, when the maximum amount of oestrogen receptor alpha was also observed. Therefore, the present study shows that hsp70, but not hsp25, is an oviductal protein modulated by the oestrous cycle and that it is a protein marker for specific phases of the oestrous cycle. In addition, hsp70 was more responsive to the hormonal changes in the infundibulum and ampullar regions of the oviduct. During early pregnancy, hsp25 expression was downregulated (unlike in the endometrium), whereas hsp70 was relatively abundant in the oviduct. hsp70 was observed in all functional segments of the oviduct during pregnancy, indicating that in the oviduct, this protein is modulated by oestrogens and progesterone and possibly by other pregnancy-related hormones.

Oestrogen and progesterone receptor binding capacity and oestrogen receptor alpha expression (ERα mRNA) along the cervix of cycling ewes

2008 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 350 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Rodríguez-Piñón ◽  
C. Tasende ◽  
P. Puime ◽  
E. G. Garófalo
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Binding Assay ◽  
Binding Capacity ◽  
Longitudinal Axis ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha ◽  
Functional Differences ◽  
Mrna Concentration

The aim of the present work was to study the oestrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) binding capacity and the oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) mRNA concentration in cranial and caudal cervix during the ovine oestrous cycle. Cervical samples of synchronised Corriedale ewes were obtained on Day 1 (n = 7), 6 (n = 6) or 13 (n = 7) after oestrus detection (Day 0). The ER and PR binding capacity by ligand-binding assay and the ERα mRNA concentration by solution hybridisation in both cranial and caudal zones of the cervix were determined. The ER and PR binding capacity were higher (P < 0.005) on Day 1 than on Days 6 and 13 in both cranial and caudal zones. The ERα mRNA concentrations were higher (P < 0.0001) on Day 1 than on Days 6 and 13 only in the caudal zone. The PR binding capacity and ERα mRNA concentration were higher (P < 0.005) in the caudal than in the cranial zone on Day 1. The ER and PR expression in the ovine cervix varied during the oestrous cycle in agreement with the known upregulation exerted by oestrogen and downregulation exerted by progesterone. Differences in ER and PR expression along the longitudinal axis of the ovine cervix were found, reflecting histological and functional differences between the cranial and caudal zones.

scholarly journals Oestrogen Receptor Alpha and Progesterone Receptor in Uterus and Ovaries on Different Days of The Oestrus Cycle in Hyperthyroid Rats

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 14-20
Author(s):  
Halil Bozoglu ◽  
Turan Karaca
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Albino Rats ◽  
Luminal Epithelium ◽  
Free T4 ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oestrus Cycle ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha ◽  
Wistar Albino Rats

Background: The present study evaluated, in different oestrus cycle phases, the oestrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PgR) in rates with hyperthyroid ovaries and uterus.Materials and Methods: Sixty-four adult female wistar albino rats were used. Animals were randomly separated into eight different groups, four of which constituted the control group and the other four of which were the actual experimental group. Hyperthyroidism was induced by daily s.c. injection of L-thyroxine (L-T4, 250 µg/kg) for 21 days.Results: Hyperthyroidism induced decreased plasma TSH levels and increased plasma free T4 levels (P < 0.001). In addition, it increased plasma oestrogen levels in all cycle phases, and plasma progesterone levels increased in different cycle phases, excluding the oestrus phase, in rats (P < 0.01). By the end of the experiment, ERα percentages were decreased in oestrus days in uterine luminal epithelium; however, ERα percentages were increased in metoestrus phases in hyperthyroid rats. ERα was elevated in proestrus, metoestrus and dioestrus phases in the corpus luteum, and hyperthyroidism also increased ERα percentages in theca folliculi. In uterine luminal epithelium, the hyperthyroidism group showed higher expressions of PgR (P < 0.05) in oestrus and metoestrus phases and decreased oestrus phase compared to control rats.Conclusions: As a result, we conclude that both the levels of plasma estrogen and progesterone as well as the differences in the distributions of relevant receptors in ovarian and uterus tissues have an impact on female infertility due to hyperthyroidism.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v6i4.11816 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.6(4) 2015 14-20

Localization of oestradiol, progesterone and oxytocin receptors in the uterus during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy of the ewe

1993 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 479-NP ◽  
Author(s):  
D. C. Wathes ◽  
M. Hamon
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Early Pregnancy ◽  
Luteal Phase ◽  
Specific Binding ◽  
Progesterone Receptors ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Luminal Epithelium ◽  
Paracrine Factors ◽  
Plasma Progesterone ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors

ABSTRACT Uterine tissue samples were collected from 47 ewes at various stages of the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy (until day 21) and during seasonal anoestrus. Cryostat sections were immunostained to determine the localization of oestradiol and progesterone receptors using specific monoclonal antibodies. Oxytocin receptors were localized by autoradiography in sections from the same ewes using the 125I-labelled oxytocin antagonist d(CH2)5[Tyr(Me)2,Thr4,Tyr-NH29]- vasotocin. Plasma progesterone measurements were made during the preceding cycle up to the time of slaughter. Oestradiol receptor concentrations were maximal in all regions of the tract at oestrus. Immunostaining of the luminal epithelium, superficial glandular epithelium, stroma and myometrium decreased in the early luteal phase but was maintained for longer in the deep glands. Progesterone receptor immunostaining in the luminal epithelium and superficial glands developed in the early luteal phase (days 1–2) with a somewhat later appearance in the deep glands (days 5–7). Progesterone receptor concentrations in the stroma and myometrium also reached a maximum in the early luteal phase. Myometrial staining was clearly maintained throughout the luteal phase whereas stromal staining was variable between ewes. For both oestradiol and progesterone receptors no differences were apparent between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes between days 2 and 12, but pregnant ewes did not show the general increases in oestradiol receptor staining associated with luteolysis on days 14–15. Oxytocin receptors first developed in the luminal epithelium of non-pregnant ewes on day 14 of the cycle and spread to the superficial glands, caruncular stroma, deep glands and myometrium at oestrus before decreasing in reverse order on days 1–2. Specific binding was not detectable on days 5–12 of the cycle or on days 14 or 21 of pregnancy. The appearance of oxytocin receptors in the luminal epithelium on day 14 preceded that of both the oestradiol and progesterone receptors in the epithelial cells and the fall in plasma progesterone. It was followed by the development of oestradiol and oxytocin receptors in the superficial glands, deep glands, caruncular stroma and myometrium, with the two receptor populations showing a significant positive association in these tissues. The loss of oxytocin receptors in all regions occurred as plasma progesterone levels were increasing, but the association between these two variables was only significant in the superficial glands. The development of progesterone receptors in different tissues could not be explained on the basis of either oestradiol receptor content or plasma progesterone. We conclude that all three receptor populations change in a dynamic manner during the oestrous cycle with variations both between days and between different uterine compartments. The complex pattern of receptor formation and loss suggests that, in addition to the circulating steroid hormone concentrations, local paracrine factors are likely to be involved in their regulation. Journal of Endocrinology (1993) 138, 479–491

scholarly journals Effect of neonatal chronic stress on expression of Hsp70 and oestrogen receptor alpha in the rat oviduct during development and the oestrous cycle

Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 801-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
ML Mariani ◽  
DR Ciocca ◽  
AS Gonzalez Jatuff ◽  
M Souto
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Stress ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Stress Model ◽  
Neonatal Development ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha

A chronic unpredictable stress model used to produce depressive disorders in adult rats was applied to neonatal rats to investigate whether this type of stress can induce changes in the expression of Hsp70 and oestrogen receptor alpha in the oviduct, as detected by immunohistochemistry. Rats stressed during neonatal development showed changes in the expression pattern of Hsp70. In neonatal control rats, Hsp70-positive cells observed in the isthmus did not show any changes. Moreover, rats exposed to this stress model that reached adulthood had higher expression of Hsp70 in the isthmus (P<0.01) but not in the ampulla during oestrus than did the control rats. In contrast, during dioestrus, no significant changes were noted in adult rats that were stressed during neonatal development or in rats that were stressed in adulthood. These findings indicate that the isthmus is very sensitive to stressful stimuli and that repeated pre-weaning stress can change the expression of heat shock proteins in early and adult life. These subtle changes of expression in the oviduct did not affect the fertility of the rats that reached adulthood or that were mated under unstressed conditions. However, the control animals stressed during adulthood showed a disruption of the oestrous cycle: this finding is not observed in rats stressed during neonatal development that show an attenuated oestrous cycle disruption induced by chronic stress in adulthood. Moreover, there was dissociation between the expression of oestrogen receptor alpha and Hsp70. The amount of oestrogen receptor alpha remained constant in the epithelium of the oviduct in the control and in the stressed rats. Expression of oestrogen receptor alpha was noted in the stroma of the oviduct without the concomitant expression of Hsp70. It is possible that in certain cells and tissues Hsp70 is not necessary for oestrogen receptor alpha to be functional or Hsp70 might be present at very low amounts but is sufficient for the receptor to function.

scholarly journals Oestrogen receptor knockout mice: roles for oestrogen receptors alpha and beta in reproductive tissues

Reproduction ◽  
2003 ◽  
pp. 143-149 ◽  
Author(s):  
SC Hewitt ◽  
KS Korach
Keyword(s):  
Oestrogen Receptor ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Tissue Expression ◽  
Genetically Engineered ◽  
Oestrogen Receptors ◽  
Female Reproduction ◽  
Receptor Alpha ◽  
Reproductive Tissues ◽  
Oestrogen Receptor Alpha ◽  
Mouse Tissues

Oestrogen is an essential component of female reproduction, with well-characterized functions in the uterus, ovaries, mammary gland and hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The mechanism of oestrogen action involves mediation of the rate of transcription by nuclear-localized oestrogen receptor molecules. Two oestrogen receptors are present in mouse tissues, oestrogen receptors alpha and beta. Each receptor exhibits differential tissue expression patterns. Mouse models with genetically engineered disruption or 'knockout' of the oestrogen receptors have been developed. Characterization of the resulting defects in reproductive tissues as well as alterations in physiological and genomic responses has given insight into the receptor-mediated effects of oestrogen in reproduction. Oestrogen receptor alpha knockout females are infertile because they are anovulatory, have disruption in LH regulation and have uteri that are insensitive to oestrogen. In contrast, oestrogen receptor beta knockout females are sub-fertile and primarily lack efficient ovulatory function. Mice with deletion of both oestrogen receptors alpha and beta are similar to those lacking oestrogen receptor alpha only, but exhibit a unique ovarian pathology. These observed phenotypes elucidate the relative roles of the oestrogen receptors in reproductive functions of female rodents.

scholarly journals Regulation of oxytocin receptor in the placentome capsule throughout pregnancy in the ewe: the possible role of oestradiol receptor, progesterone receptor and aromatase

1998 ◽  
Vol 158 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
ST Leung ◽  
TS Reynolds ◽  
DC Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Progesterone Receptor ◽  
Hormonal Regulation ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
In Situ Hybridisation ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Receptor Protein ◽  
Receptor Mrna ◽  
Oxytocin Receptors ◽  
Hybridisation Analysis

The hormonal regulation of uterine oxytocin receptors (OTR) during the establishment of pregnancy and at parturition has been studied extensively, but little information is available during mid-pregnancy. This study investigated the localisation of OTR mRNA in the ovine placentome throughout gestation and related this to expression patterns for the putative regulatory agents aromatase, oestradiol receptor, progesterone receptor and oxytocin. Placentomes were collected at regular intervals throughout pregnancy for in situ hybridisation analysis and immunocytochemistry (oestradiol receptor only). Results were quantified by optical density measurements of autoradiographs. Progesterone receptor mRNA was localised to the caruncular tissues on day 30 but became undetectable by day 34. Aromatase mRNA appeared in the fetal villi at days 34-40, with concentrations peaking at days 52-55 and again at days 132-137. Oestradiol receptor mRNA was localised to the caruncular tissues from days 13 to 30 and found in the maternal villi and placentome capsule from days 45 to 70. Oestradiol receptor protein was barely detectable in either tissue. OTR mRNA was localised to the placentome capsule at days 34-40, remaining high at day 45 and declining to basal levels by days 132-137. Oxytocin mRNA was not detected in the placentome. In conclusion: (1) progesterone acting via its receptor may suppress the expression of aromatase and OTR in early pregnancy; (2) the up-regulation of OTR expression in the capsule may not involve the oestradiol receptor; (3) there is a differential regulation between different regions of the uterus as the increase in the placentome capsule occurs at a time when concentrations in the rest of the endometrium and myometrium remain low; (4) oestradiol receptor expression in the placentome may be regulated at the translational level; and (5) there is no local production of oxytocin in the sheep placenta. The role of ORTs in the capsule during mid-pregnancy remains to be determined.

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