Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 protein and messenger ribonucleic acid by the oviduct of cyclic, early-pregnant, and ovariectomized steroid-treated gilts

• Published in: Biology of reproduction 1997-07, Vol.57 (1), p.7-15
• Main Authors: Buhi, W.C, Alvarez, I.M, Pickard, A.R, McIntush, E.W, Kouba, A.J, Ashworth, C.J, Smith, M.F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; ARN MENSAJERO; ARN MESSAGER; Biological and medical sciences; BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCES; BREED DIFFERENCES; CERDAS; CICLO ESTRAL; Culture Media, Conditioned; CYCLE OESTRAL; DIFERENCIAS BIOLOGICAS; DIFFERENCE BIOLOGIQUE; ENZYME INHIBITORS; Estradiol - administration & dosage; Estradiol - analogs & derivatives; ESTROGENOS; Estrus - genetics; Estrus - metabolism; EXPRESION GENICA; EXPRESSION DES GENES; Fallopian Tubes - metabolism; Female; FEMALES; FEMELLE; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; GENE EXPRESSION; GESTACION; GESTATION; Glycoproteins - genetics; Glycoproteins - metabolism; HEMBRA; Hormone metabolism and regulation; Immunohistochemistry; INHIBIDORES DE ENZIMAS; INHIBITEUR D'ENZYME; LOCALIZATION; Mammalian female genital system; MESSENGER RNA; OESTROGENE; OESTROGENS; OESTROUS CYCLE; OVARIECTOMIA; OVARIECTOMIE; OVARIECTOMY; OVIDUCTE; OVIDUCTOS; OVIDUCTS; PREGNANCY; Pregnancy, Animal - genetics; Pregnancy, Animal - metabolism; PROGESTERONA; PROGESTERONE; Progesterone - administration & dosage; PROTEASAS; PROTEASE; Protease Inhibitors - metabolism; PROTEASES; PROTEIN SYNTHESIS; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; SINTESIS DE PROTEINAS; SOWS; Swine; SYNTHESE PROTEIQUE; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; TRUIE; Vertebrates: reproduction
• ISSN: 0006-3363; 1529-7268
• DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod57.1.7

It has been suggested that tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 has a role in reproductive tissues, regulating tissue remodeling or enhancing embryonic development. Oviductal TIMP-1 mRNA levels and protein expression were examined in gilts during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy and in steroid-treated ovariectomized (OVX) gilts by explant culture, two-dimensional SDS-PAGE and fluorography, dot-blot hybridization, immunoblot analysis, RIA, and immunocytochemical studies. TIMP-1 mRNA levels in the oviduct during the estrous cycle were greater (p < 0.02) on Days 2, 15, and 18 than on other days examined, and analysis of oviductal functional segments indicated an effect of day (p < 0.003), an effect of segment (p < 0.007), and a day x segment effect (p < 0.03). The level of TIMP-1 mRNA was greater (p < 0.003) in the isthmus (I) on Day 2 than in the ampulla (A) or infundibulum (INF) or on other days examined (0 and 12). In steroid-treated OVX gilts, an effect of treatment with estradiol valerate (EV) + progesterone (P4) was shown with increased (p < 0.003) TIMP-1 mRNA levels. De novo synthesis of TIMP-1 protein was found throughout the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in all functional segments, but protein expression was greater in the I and greatest on Day 2. In steroid-treated OVX gilts, TIMP-1 protein synthesis was greatest in the I regardless of treatment, but with increased intensity after EV+P4 treatment. TIMP-1 protein was found in oviductal flushings during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, and in steroid-treated OVX gilts regardless of day, status, or treatment. Differences in TIMP-1 concentrations in oviductal fluid were found by day (p < 0.001), with breed differences detected between the Meishan and standard Western breeds. TIMP-1 protein was immunolocalized primarily to luminal epithelium of the INF, A, and I on all days of the estrous cycle and early pregnancy and to some cells in the stroma and blood vessel walls. Staining intensity correlated with TIMP-1 protein levels in oviductal flushings. The role of TIMP-1 in the oviduct remains to be established.