Vitamin D3 receptor is expressed in the endometrium of cycling mice throughout the estrous cycle.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the expression and localization of vitamin D(3) receptor (VDR) in reproductive organs of cycling mice.


METHODS
Experimental animal study.


METHODS
Academic research center.


METHODS
Mature (8 to 12 weeks old) cycling female Balb/c mice.


METHODS
Reproductive tissue, including endometrium, ovary, and fallopian tubes, were collected at each phase of estrous cycle to examine VDR expression.


METHODS
Expression of VDR messenger (mRNA) was determined by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The presence and localization of VDR was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and the intensity of VDR expression was quantified with U.S. National Institutes of Health image-analysis software.


RESULTS
The VDR mRNA was expressed in the endometrium throughout the estrous cycle. The relative expression of VDR mRNA at the estrus phase was more prominent compared with the other phases. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that dendritic cells, macrophages, and luminal and glandular epithelial cells of the endometrium, granulosa, and cumulus oophorus cells of the ovary and fallopian epithelial cells strongly express VDR, particularly during the estrus phase.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings have demonstrated, for the first time, that VDR is present and differentially expressed in murine reproductive organs throughout the estrous cycle. Further studies are required to evaluate the functional immunologic role of VDR.
Zarnani
Amir Hassan
AH
Nanobiotechnology Research Center, Avicenna Research Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
Shahbazi
Mehdi
M
Salek-Moghaddam
Alireza
A
Zareie
Mehri
M
Tavakoli
Maryam
M
Ghasemi
Jemileh
J
Rezania
Simin
S
Moravej
Ali
A
Torkabadi
Ebrahim
E
Rabbani
Hodjattallah
H
Jeddi-Tehrani
Mahmood
M
D000818:Animals; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D030762:Estrous Cycle; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol