Interferon-tau upregulates prolactin receptor mRNA in the ovine endometrium during the peri-implantation period.
Our objective was to determine the effect of ovine interferon-tau (IFN-tau) on prolactin receptor (PRL-R) gene expression in the ovine endometrium. IFN-tau is an embryonic cytokine which, via its paracrine anti-luteolytic activity, plays a critical role in maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants. Using ribonuclease protection assay procedures, we compared endometrial PRL-R mRNA levels in ewes that were intrauterine injected with either 2 mg bovine serum albumin or 2 mg recombinant ovine IFN-tau on day 10 of the oestrous cycle (day 0 = day of oestrus). IFN treatment significantly increased the abundance of both the long and short forms of PRL-R mRNA in the ovine uterus, but had no effect on the long:short form ratio. In situ hybridization experiments revealed that the increase in abundance of PRL-R mRNA in the uterus was localized to the glandular compartment of the endometrium. In pregnant ewes, a similar increase in PRL-R mRNA abundance was found to occur in ovine endometrium on days 14-15 post conception. Collectively, these data provided strong evidence that IFN-tau modulates the level of lactogenic hormone receptor mRNA in the ovine uterus. Whether the effect of IFN-tau on PRL-R expression is mediated directly or influenced, at least in part, by progesterone remains to be elucidated.
Martin
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Neuroendocrinologie Moléculaire de la Prise Alimentaire, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
Pessemesse
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De La Llosa-Hermier
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MP
Martal
J
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Djiane
J
J
Charlier
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M
D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000502:physiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects; D017403:In Situ Hybridization / Q000379:methods; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012756:Sheep / Q000378:metabolism*
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011257:Pregnancy Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011981:Receptors, Prolactin; C020947:interferon tau