Dynamics of CD3 super(+) T-cell Distribution Throughout the Estrous Cycle and Gestation in the Bovine Endometrium

• Published in: The Journal of reproduction and development 2014-05, Vol.59 (6), p.507-511
• Main Authors: Ohta, Tomokazu, Koshi, Katsuo, Ushizawa, Koichi, Hosoe, Misa, Takahashi, Toru, Yamaguchi, Takahiro, Kizaki, Keiichiro, Hashizume, Kazuyoshi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0916-8818; 1348-4400
• DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2012-200

T cells are the dominant lymphocytes in the endometrium and are considered to play a crucial role in implantation and in the maintenance of gestation through cytokine production and immune regulation. The mechanisms underlying immunoregulation at the feto-maternal interface are still obscure for this complex system. Understanding the role of T cells is a key factor in understanding the endometrial immune system. In this study, the distribution of endometrial CD3 super(+) T cells in bovines was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The estrous cycle and gestation was divided into 4 stages, and the number of CD3 super(+)-positive T cells was counted in each stage. CD3 super(+) cells were found in the endometrium in significant numbers throughout the estrous cycle and were mostly located in the subepithelial area. The number of CD3 super(+) cells significantly increased in the early and mid-luteal phases but decreased after implantation with the progression of gestation. No T cells were found in the placentome or specifically in the tissues near the fetus, including the trophoblastic area. In addition, very few T cells were found in stromal regions close to the myometrium of the endometrium. These findings suggest that downregulation of bovine endometrial CD3 super(+) T-cell functions is closely related to the successful maintenance of gestation in a spatiotemporal manner.