| Abstrakt: |
Contents Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor ( HB- EGF) regulates several cell functions by binding to its membrane receptor ( Erb B1 and Erb B4). Experimental evidences suggest that HB- EGF, prostaglandins ( PGs) and interferon-τ ( IFN-τ) regulate uterine function for pregnancy establishment in ruminants. In this study, the m RNA expressions of HB- EGF, Erb B1 and Erb B4 in bovine endometrium and the effects of HB- EGF and IFN-τ on PGE2 and PGF2-α production by endometrial cells were investigated. RT- PCR analysis revealed that HB- EGF m RNA was greater at the mid-luteal stage than at the early and regressed luteal stages (p < 0.05). Erb B1 m RNA expression was greater at the mid- and late luteal stages than at the other luteal stages (p < 0.05). IFN-τ increased the expression of HB- EGF, Erb B1 and Erb B4 m RNA in epithelial cells (p < 0.05). HB- EGF did not affect PGF2-α or PGE2 production by bovine endometrial epithelial cells, but increased PGF2-α and PGE2 production by bovine endometrial stromal cells (p < 0.05). IFN-τ significantly decreased HB- EGF-stimulated PGF2-α (p < 0.05), but not PGE2 (p > 0.05) production by stromal cells. These results indicate that HB- EGF and its receptors expression changed in bovine endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle. IFN-τ increased their expression in cultured endometrial cells. HB- EGF and IFN-τ have the ability to regulate PGs production by stromal cells and therefore may play a role in the local regulation of uterine function at the time of implantation in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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