The roles of the alpha1-adrenergic receptor subtypes in rat embryonic implantation.
OBJECTIVE
To focus on the possible roles of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors (alpha(1)-ARs) in rat embryonic implantation.


METHODS
Laboratory study.


METHODS
Animal and pharmacology laboratory at Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Hungary.


METHODS
Pregnant and nonpregnant Sprague-Dawley rats.


METHODS
Uterus tissues were collected during the peri-implantation period.


METHODS
We used a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting to demonstrate the expressions of mRNAs and the protein expressions of the alpha(1)-AR subtypes in the early-pregnant uterus. Electric field stimulation was applied to test the pharmacologic reactivity of the alpha(1A)-AR, and the physiologic role of this receptor was tested in a knock-down transformed animal model using an antisense oligonucleotide that elicits sequence-selective inhibition of the alpha(1A)-AR gene expression.


RESULTS
The presence of all alpha(1)-AR subtypes (alpha(1A), alpha(1B), and alpha(1D)) was proved, with a predominance of alpha(1A)-AR. The maximal expression of the alpha(1A)-AR was attained on the day of implantation. The selective alpha(1A) antagonist 5-methylurapidil inhibited the contraction in a dose-dependent manner. The number of implantation sites was decreased ( approximately 75%) in the alpha(1A)-AR knock-down transformed rats.


CONCLUSIONS
We assume that the alpha(1A)-AR predominance plays a crucial role in embryonic implantation in the rat.
Ducza
Eszter
E
Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
Gáspár
Róbert
R
Mihályi
Attila
A
Kormányos
Zsolt
Z
Falkay
George
G
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D010064:Embryo Implantation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D055785:Gene Knockdown Techniques; D005865:Gestational Age; D008297:Male; D010507:Periodicity; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology; D011247:Pregnancy; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D055647:Rats, Transgenic; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D014590:Uterine Contraction / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism
D058668:Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists; D000317:Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists; D010879:Piperazines; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D018340:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha-1; C057446:5-methylurapidil