title: Embryonic sex induces differential expression of proteins in bovine uterine fluid.
abstract: The bovine endometrium recognizes early embryos and reacts differently depending on the developmental potential of the embryo. However, it is unknown whether the endometrium can distinguish embryonic sex. Our objective was to analyze sexual dimorphism in the uterus in response to male and female embryos. Differentially expressed (DE) proteins, different levels of hexoses, and other embryotrophic differences were analyzed in uterine fluid (UF). Proteomic analysis of day-8 UF recovered from heifers after the transfer of day-5 male or female embryos identified 23 DE proteins. Regulated proteasome/immunoproteasome protein subunits indicated differences in antigen processing between UF carrying male embryos (male-UF) or female embryos (female-UF). Several enzymes involved in glycolysis/gluconeogenesis and antioxidative/antistress responses were up-regulated in female-UF. Fructose concentration was increased in female-UF versus male-UF, while glucose levels were similar. In vitro cultures with molecules isolated from male-UF were found to improve male embryo development compared to female embryos cultured with molecules isolated from female-UF. We postulated that, in vivo, male embryos induce changes in the endometrium to help ensure their survival. In contrast, female embryos do not appear to induce these changes.
authors: Centro de Biotecnología Animal-SERIDA, Camino de Rioseco 1225, La Olla-Deva, 33394 Gijón, Asturias, Spain.
authors: Enrique
authors: E
authors: Gómez
authors: José N
authors: JN
authors: Caamaño
authors: Fernando J
authors: FJ
authors: Corrales
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Díez
authors: Eva
authors: E
authors: Correia-Álvarez
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Martín
authors: Beatriz
authors: B
authors: Trigal
authors: Susana
authors: S
authors: Carrocera
authors: María I
authors: MI
authors: Mora
authors: Jairo
authors: J
authors: Pello-Palma
authors: Juan F
authors: JF
authors: Moreno
authors: Marta
authors: M
authors: Muñoz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D015153:Blotting, Western; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism*; D002417:Cattle; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange; D015180:Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000378:metabolism; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D014599:Uterus / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D005632:Fructose; D005947:Glucose