Expression and localization of transcription factor Ets-1 in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the expression and localization of Ets-1 in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and pregnancy, and to investigate its effects on ovarian function.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized study.


METHODS
Department of Physiology at Harbin Medical University.


METHODS
Pubertal female Wistar rats.


METHODS
Vaginal smears were taken daily from female rats to determine the stage of the estrous cycle. Pregnancies were achieved by caging female and male rats together overnight. Ovaries were collected from both cycling and pregnant rats for tissue sectioning and RNA and protein extractions.


METHODS
Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry were performed to investigate the expression and localization of Ets-1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein in the rat ovary during the estrous cycle and pregnancy.


RESULTS
During the estrous cycle, the levels of Ets-1 mRNA and protein expression increased during the follicular phase, achieving their highest measurements at proestrus and lowest at metestrus. The expression of Ets-1 mRNA and protein fluctuated during pregnancy, increasing during early pregnancy, then decreasing during mid-pregnancy, and again increasing until parturition. Ets-1 mRNA and protein were present throughout the estrous cycle and pregnancy, principally localized in follicles of various sizes and in the corpus luteum.


CONCLUSIONS
Ets-1 may participate and play an important role in the regulation of follicular development, corpus luteum formation, maintenance, and regression.
Xiao
Xiaohui
X
Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Physiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
Liu
Aiqin
A
Wen
Haixia
H
Tian
Yanjun
Y
Ni
Jiang
J
Liu
Guoyi
G
D000818:Animals; D003338:Corpus Luteum / Q000502:physiology; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D004971:Estrus / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D006080:Ovarian Follicle / Q000502:physiology; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011247:Pregnancy; D011270:Pregnancy, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D050784:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1 / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D018076:DNA, Complementary; C494043:Ets1 protein, rat; D050784:Proto-Oncogene Protein c-ets-1; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D012313:RNA