Cyclic modulation of integrin expression in bovine endometrium

• Published in: Biology of reproduction 1999-11, Vol.61 (5), p.1267-1274
• Main Authors: Kimmins, S, MacLaren, L.A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle; collagen; Collagen - metabolism; collagen iv; endometrium; Endometrium - metabolism; estradiol; Estradiol - biosynthesis; estrous cycle; Estrus - metabolism; extracellular matrix proteins; Female; fibronectins; Fibronectins - metabolism; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; gene expression; glycoproteins; hormonal regulation; Humans; Immunoenzyme Techniques; Immunohistochemistry; Integrins - biosynthesis; laminin; Laminin - metabolism; localization; Mammalian female genital system; Morphology. Physiology; Ovariectomy; progesterone; Progesterone - biosynthesis; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod61.5.1267

Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of selected integrins and extracellular matrix proteins was determined in bovine endometrium from cycling and ovariectomized animals using indirect immunohistochemistry. The expression of integrins α 6 and α v β 3 was estrous cycle-dependent. Strong immunostaining for α v β 3 occurred in the basement membrane region of intercaruncular luminal epithelium except on Day 16 ( P < 0.05). Staining of subepithelial stromal cells declined in diestrous samples ( P < 0.05). In all samples, there was reduced α v β 3 reactivity in the caruncles. Staining for α 6 decreased in the epithelial basement membrane at proestrus through estrus (Days 18–0). Expression of integrin subunits α 3 and α 4 was cycle-independent. Moderate staining for α 3 was detected on epithelium and α 4 was present on stromal cells. The distribution of β 1 suggested dimerization with α 3 , α 4 , and α 6 . Laminin was detected in the epithelial and vasculature basement membranes. Collagen IV was present in the glandular epithelium basement membrane and subepithelial stromal cells, whereas fibronectin was found only in the stroma. Estrous cycle-dependent distribution and expression of α v β 3 and α 6 suggest their regulation by ovarian steroids, growth factors, and prostaglandins.