Secretion of matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases into follicular fluid during follicle development in equine ovaries

Extensive tissue remodelling is required in equine ovaries for follicle growth and development and also migration of the follicle to the ovulatory fossa, where ovulation occurs. The mechanisms for these processes are largely unexplored. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their endogenous tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are important for control of breakdown of extracellular matrix during tissue remodelling. The aims of this study were to determine the pattern and sites of secretion of the gelatinases MMP-2 and -9 and TIMPs into follicular fluid during follicle development in mare ovaries. The predominant gelatinase detected in follicular fluid was MMP-2, which was present in similar amounts throughout follicular development, as demonstrated by zymography. MMP-9 was also present in follicular fluid and secretion increased significantly (P < 0.05) with development of follicles from < 10 mm to 11-20 mm in diameter. Follicular fluid also contained TIMP-1, TIMP-2, unglycosylated and glycosylated TIMP-3, and TIMP-4, as shown by reverse zymography. The abundance of TIMPs remained largely unchanged during follicle development. MMP-2 and -9 were localized by immunohistochemistry to stromal cells and granulosa and theca cells. TIMP-1, -2, -3 and -4 were present in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle and in stromal cells and also associated with extracellular matrix of the ovarian stromal tissue. The MMPs and TIMPs are likely to be involved in the regulation of the breakdown of extracellular matrix during tissue remodelling for follicle development and migration to the ovulation fossa in mares.     

Expression of integrins and extracellular matrix proteins at the maternal-fetal interface during tubal implantation

Investigation of the expression pattern of integrins and their extracellular matrix (ECM) ligands in trophoblasts at the maternal-fetal interface during tubal pregnancy may aid better understanding of the adhesion and invasion of acceptable maternal endometrium by trophoblast cells at the very early stage of human gestation. In this study, spatial and temporal alterations of integrins and ECM ligands were examined in specimens of tubal pregnancies during weeks 3-9 of gestation. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry revealed that relatively high levels of integrin alpha(1), beta(1), alpha(5) subunits and heterdimer alpha(5)beta(1) as well as ECM ligands, were displayed in trophoblast cells as early as weeks 3-4 of gestation. Expression peaked during weeks 5-7 and then, with the exception of integrin alpha(1), which remained high, declined slightly up to weeks 8-9 of gestation. Immunoreactive fibronectin, laminin and type IV collagen were detected in column cytotrophoblastic cells (CTB) and some invasive extravillous cytotrophoblast (EVCT) cells and the alterations were coincident with those of the corresponding integrin receptors in EVCT cells. Laminin was strongly stained in EVCT cells that had invaded maternal blood vessels and deep into the interstitium. Maternal epithelial, endothelial and stromal cells also expressed these integrins and ECM ligands. The results indicate their involvement in mediating the adhesion of trophoblasts to the epithelium of the maternal Fallopian tube. The upregulated expression of these molecules in column CTB and invasive EVCT cells may also facilitate the invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal interstitium. Moreover, trophoblasts possessed the potential for self-controlled adhesion and invasion and appear to reach peak invasive capability in the second month of tubal implantation.     

Expression and localisation of extracellular matrix degrading proteases and their inhibitors during the oestrous cycle and after induced luteolysis in the bovine corpus luteum

The corpus luteum (CL) offers the opportunity to study high proliferative processes during its development and degradation processes during its regression. We examined the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, MMP-19, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA-receptor (uPAR), PA-inhibitors (PAI)-1, PAI-2 in follicles 20 h after GnRH application, CLs during days 1-2, 3-4, 5-7 and 8-12 of the oestrous cycle as well as after induced luteolysis. Cows in the mid-luteal phase were injected with Cloprostenol and the CLs were collected at 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 h after PGF2alpha injection. Real-time RT-PCR determined mRNA expressions. Expression from 20 h after GnRH to day 12: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14 and tPA showed a clear expression, but no regulation. TIMP-1 and uPAR mRNA increased when compared with the follicular phase. TIMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-19 and uPA increased from the follicular phase to days 8-12. PAI-1 and PAI-2 expression increased from days 1-7 and decreased to days 8-12. Induced luteolysis: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, MMP-19 and TIMP-1 all increased at different time points and intensities, whereas TIMP-2 was constantly decreased from 24 to 64 h. The plasminogen activator system and their inhibitors were up-regulated from 2 to 64 h, tPA was already increased after 0.5 h. Immunohistochemistry for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14: an increased staining for MMP-1 and MMP-14 was seen in large luteal cells beginning 24 h after PGF2alpha application. MMP-2 showed a strong increase in staining in endothelial cells at 48 h.     

Expression of extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer and matrix metalloproteinases during mouse embryonic development

Mouse embryo implantation is a highly invasive and controlled process that involves remodeling and degradation of the extracellular matrix of the uterus. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the main proteinases facilitating this process. Extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN) can stimulate the production of MMPs and is required for successful implantation in the mouse. The aims of the present study were to examine the expression profiles of mRNA and proteins for EMMPRIN and MMPs in the developing mouse embryo in vitro, and to study whether EMMPRIN protein induces the production of MMPs by mouse blastocysts. EMMPRIN mRNA, detected by RT-PCR, was present at all stages of embryo development from the one-cell to the blastocyst outgrowth. EMMPRIN protein, observed by confocal microscopy, was present on the cell surface at the same stages of development as was the mRNA. Of seven MMPs studied, murine collagenase-like A (Mcol-A), murine collagenase-like B (Mcol-B) and gelatinase A (MMP-2) mRNAs were detected only in blastocyst outgrowths by RT-PCR. Gelatinase B (MMP-9) mRNA was detected both in expanded blastocysts and blastocyst outgrowths. MMP-2 and -9 proteins were detected in the cytoplasm of outgrowing trophoblast cells. Collagenase-2 (MMP-8), collagenase-3 (MMP-13), or stromelysin-1 (MMP-3) mRNAs were not present at any stage of pre- or peri-implantation mouse embryo development. Quantitative RT-PCR analyses showed that recombinant EMMPRIN protein did not stimulate MMP-2 or -9 expression by mouse blastocyst outgrowths. These data suggest that EMMPRIN may regulate physiological functions other than MMP production by mouse embryos during implantation.     

Expression and localization of extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases and their inhibitors in the bovine mammary gland during development, function, and involution

In degrading the extracellular matrix, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and the plasminogen activator (PA) system may play a critical role in extensive remodeling that occurs in the bovine mammary gland during development, lactation, and involution. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate the mRNA expression of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14, MMP-19, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, urokinase-type PA, tissue-type PA, urokinase-type PA receptor, and PA inhibitor-1 by quantitative PCR and to localize with immunohistochemistry MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 proteins in the bovine mammary gland during pubertal mammogenesis, lactogenesis, galactopoiesis, and involution. Expression of mRNA for each of the studied factors was relatively lower during galactopoiesis and early involution but was markedly increased during mammogenesis and late involution, 2 stages in which tissue remodeling is especially pronounced. The localization of proteins for MMP-1, MMP-14, and TIMP-2 showed a similar trend with strong staining intensity in cytoplasm of mammary duct and alveolar epithelial cells during pubertal mammogenesis and late involution. Interestingly, MMP-2 protein was localized only in the cytoplasm of endothelial cells during late involution. Our study demonstrated clearly that expression of extracellular matrix-degrading proteinases coincides with a concomitant expression of their inhibitors. High expression levels of MMP, TIMP, and PA family members seem to be a typical feature of the nonlactating mammary gland.     

Effects of genistein on the periovulatory expression of messenger ribonucleic acid for matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases in the rat ovary

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play critical roles in the ovulatory process. Their expression and activity, together with those of the endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are stimulated by LH. The LH surge initiates a cascade of events resulting in ovulation and formation of the corpus luteum via activation of protein kinases A and C, as well as tyrosine kinases. In vitro perfused rat ovaries were untreated, or treated with LH (0.2 microg ml(-1)) plus 0.2 mmol 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine l(-1) with 0, 10 or 100 micromol genistein l(-1) (an inhibitor of tyrosine kinases) to assess whether tyrosine kinases are mediators of the LH-stimulated increase in ovarian expression of the MMPs and TIMPs. After 10 h of perfusion, ovaries were collected and frozen until RNA isolation. Northern and RNase protection analyses were used to measure mRNA encoding collagenase 3, gelatinases A and B, and TIMPs-1, -2 and -3. Treatment with LH plus 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine resulted in a two- and fivefold increase in mRNA encoding collagenase 3 and TIMP-1, respectively (P < 0.05). Treatment with 100 micromol genistein l(-1) blocked the LH-stimulated increase in collagenase 3 (0.012 +/- 0.002 versus 0.028 +/- 0.005 relative units for 100 micromol genistein l(-1) versus LH; P < 0.05), whereas neither dose of genistein affected LH-induced TIMP-1 expression. LH alone or with genistein did not alter the expression of mRNA encoding TIMP-2 and TIMP-3, or mRNA encoding gelatinases A and B. These data indicate that tyrosine kinases play a role in the LH-induced tissue remodelling required for ovulation by mediating the LH-stimulated expression of collagenase 3.     

Nitric oxide in blastocyst implantation in the rhesus monkey

Successful blastocyst implantation depends on the interaction between cells of maternal endometrium and conceptus, as well as adequate blood supply to the site of blastocyst implantation. Nitric oxide (NO) generally plays a significant role in the local regulation of vascular physiology in a variety of mammalian tissue systems, however, its role in blastocyst implantation and placentation in the primate is not known. The aim of the present study was to examine: (i) NADH-diaphorase activity and expression of three isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), namely endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS) in pre-implantation stage monkey embryos, morula (n = 4) and blastocyst (n = 10), as well as, in different compartments of conceptus and maternal endometrium at primary implantation sites during lacunar (n = 6) and villous (n = 9) stages of placentation in the rhesus monkey, and (ii) the potential anti-nidatory effect of vaginal administration of NOS inhibitor during the peri-implantation period of conception cycles in rhesus monkeys. Pre-implantation stage blastocysts exhibited marked NADPH-diaphorase activity along with immunopositive iNOS mainly in the inner cell mass. During the lacunar stage, marked eNOS expression was observed in cytotrophoblast cells lining the embryonic cavity. However, cytotrophoblast cells lining villi, forming columns, and constituting anchoring villi expressed all the three isoforms of NOS in villous placenta stage tissue. During the lacunar stage, eNOS and iNOS protein expressions were observed in epithelial and decidual cells of endometrium. As gestation advanced, mRNAs for all three isoforms of NOS were observed to increase in epithelial and decidual cells, however, with no marked change in protein expression. Vaginal administration of a NOS inhibitor (N(G)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME, 4, 6, and 8 mg/kg body weight or aminoguanidine, AG, 4 mg/kg body weight) during days 6 to 12 after ovulation resulted in pregnancy failure in a higher number of animals (L-NAME: 8 confirmed pregnancies in 25 animals; AG: 2 confirmed pregnancies in 8 animals) compared with control animals (5 pregnancies in 7 animals). It appears that NO may play an important role in the establishment of pregnancy in the rhesus monkey.     

Localization and temporal regulation of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases 3 and 4 in bovine preovulatory follicles

The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) are potential regulators of the focalized extracellular matrix degradation required for ovulation. The objectives of the present study were to determine localization and temporal regulation of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 mRNA and protein in bovine preovulatory follicles. Ovaries containing preovulatory follicles were collected at 0, 12 and 20 h after GnRH injection for real-time PCR quantification of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 mRNAs and immunohistochemical localization studies. Additional samples collected at 0, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h post GnRH injection were subjected to Western analysis to determine temporal changes in TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 proteins in the apex and base of preovulatory follicles. Results indicate the gonadotropin surge regulates TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 expression. TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 mRNAs increased within 12 h after GnRH injection. TIMP-3 protein was localized to granulosal and thecal layers of preovulatory follicles and adjacent ovarian stroma, whereas TIMP-4 immunoreactivity was localized to granulosal and thecal cells and ovarian blood vessels. Amounts of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 proteins in the follicular apex peaked within 12 h post GnRH injection and subsequently declined by 24 h. However, amounts of TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 proteins in the base were not elevated after GnRH administration. Results demonstrate that mRNA and protein for both TIMP-3 and TIMP-4 are increased in bovine preovulatory follicles following the gonadotropin surge. Coordinate expression of TIMPs and MMPs may help regulate the extracellular matrix remodeling characteristic of the ovulatory process.     

EGF-induced trophoblast secretion of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 involves activation of both PI3K and MAPK signalling pathways

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is present in the maternal-fetal environment and has an important role in placental development. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression/activation is a pre-requisite in extravillous trophoblast invasion. Whereas EGF up-regulates MMP-9 activity in a variety of cell types, there is no direct evidence for the stimulation of MMP-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) secretion by EGF in extravillous trophoblasts. In addition, the signalling pathways involved in this regulation are not clear. In the present study, we have examined the possible involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways in the regulation of the MMP-9/TIMP-1 system by EGF in vitro. We used a well-established invasive extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR8/Svneo) and measured gene and protein expression by semi-quantitative RT-PCR and western analysis respectively. MMP activity was determined by zymography. We showed for the first time that EGF activated both PI3K/Akt and MAPK/extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signalling in HTR8/SVneo, and increased both MMP-9 and TIMP-1 mRNAs and protein concentrations. Interfering with either signalling pathway via PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or MEK inhibitor U0126 in EGF-stimulated HTR8/SVneo cells blocked the induction of MMP-9 and TIMP-1. LY294002 inhibited Akt phosphorylation, but had no effect on ERK phosphorylation; U0126 suppressed ERK phosphorylation without interfering with the phosphorylation of Akt. In addition, expression of constitutively active Akt (Myr-Akt1, Myr-Akt2, Myr-Akt3) was not sufficient to induce proMMP-9 and TIMP-1 secretion. Our results suggest that the activation of both PI3K and MAPK pathways in extravillous trophoblasts is necessary for the up-regulation of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression by EGF.     

Localization of mRNA for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietins and their receptors during the peri-implantation period and early pregnancy in marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

Implantation of a blastocyst into a receptive endometrium is a prerequisite for successful pregnancy. Angiogenesis is a key event in this process but the mechanisms by which localized changes in vascular permeability and angiogenesis occur have yet to be elucidated. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2 have been implicated as key players in vascular remodelling and placentation. Angiopoietins also appear to have a significant role in regulation of blood vessel growth, maturation and regression. The aim of this study was to describe the molecular regulation of angiogenesis in the first month of pregnancy in marmosets and to address the putative physiological roles for these factors. Uteri were studied at weeks 2, 3 and 4 of pregnancy and compared with late secretory non-pregnant endometrium. Implantation in marmosets occurs at day 11 of pregnancy; hence, these time points were chosen so that the peri-implantation period and very early pregnancy could be studied. mRNAs for VEGF, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, angiopoietin 1, angiopoietin 2 and their receptor Tie-2 were localized and quantified by in situ hybridization. Endothelial cells were identified by CD31 immunocytochemistry. VEGF mRNA was present in all compartments except endothelial cells, and its expression generally increased throughout pregnancy except in upper zone glandular epithelium and luminal epithelium, where a decrease in expression was observed. VEGF receptor mRNAs were found in endothelial cells of the upper zones immediately surrounding glandular epithelium. Angiopoietin 1 mRNA was localized to glandular epithelium of the upper and lower zones throughout pregnancy, and increased in stroma at week 4. Expression of angiopoietin 2 mRNA was localized exclusively to endothelial cells of large luminal vessels and was higher in endometrium from marmosets at week 4 of pregnancy than in endometrium from all other stages. These data provide comprehensive evidence that VEGFR-1 and -2, and angiopoietin 1, angiopoietin 2 and Tie-2 interactions may be involved in the preparation of endometrium for implantation, remodelling of the maternal vasculature and trophoblast invasion during the peri-implantation period in this primate species.     

A potential molecular mechanism for regulating pre-mRNA splicing of implantation-related genes through unique uterine expression of splicing factor SC35 in women and rhesus monkeys

Splicing factor SC35 is an essential component of the spliceosome, the cellular apparatus that removes introns from pre-mRNA to provide alternatively spliced isoforms. Many proteins associated with development of uterine receptivity and embryo implantation are present as isoforms, the tissue-specific expression of which may be regulated through alternative splicing. SC35 was identified as being increased at implantation sites during early pregnancy in mice. However, the present study has demonstrated that SC35 is present in human and rhesus monkey endometrium, that the protein is increased during the secretory phase of the oestrous cycle compared with the proliferative phase in both these primates and that it is present in a distinct pattern within the nucleus of both epithelial and stromal cells, as well as in cells of the vasculature. Both the intensity of immunoreactive protein and the proportion of cells that stain for SC35 alter with the phase of the oestrous cycle. A very precise expression pattern of SC35 (both protein and mRNA) was seen during early placentation in rhesus monkeys. At implantation sites between day 24 and day 35 of early pregnancy, SC35 was expressed strongly in cytotrophoblasts within the trophoblastic shell, in syncytiotrophoblast at the periphery of the cell column and in both cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast in the floating villi. In the adjacent maternal decidua, expression of SC35 was weak. These results indicate a role for SC35 in preparation of a receptive uterus, in the provision of secreted proteins to support blastocyst development and in trophoblast invasion.     

Expression and regulation of stanniocalcin 1 and 2 in rat uterus during embryo implantation and decidualization

Stanniocalcin-1 (STC-1) is a recently discovered polypeptide hormone, while stanniocalcin-2 (STC-2) is a subsequently identified homologue of stanniocalcin-1. Although previous studies have shown that both STC-1 and -2 are involved in various physiological processes, such as ion transport, reproduction and development, their expression in the uterus and roles in implantation and early pregnancy are unclear. Here we have investigated the expression and regulation of both STC-1 and STC-2 in rat uterus during early pregnancy under various physiological conditions. We show that only basal levels of STC-1 and STC-2 mRNA were detected in the uterus from day one (D1) to day five (D5) of pregnancy. STC-2 immunostaining was gradually increased in the glandular epithelium from day two (D2), with a peak occurring on D5. High levels of both STC-1 and STC-2 mRNA were observed in the stoma cells at the implantation site on day six (D6) of pregnancy, whereas their immunostaining signals were also significant in the luminal epithelium. Basal levels of both STC-1 and STC-2 mRNA and STC-1 immunostaining were detected in the uterus with delayed implantation. After the delayed implantation was terminated by estrogen treatment, both STC-1 and STC-2 mRNA signals were significantly induced in the stroma underlying the luminal epithelium at the implantation site, and STC-2 immunostaining was also observed in the luminal epithelium surrounding the implanting blastocyst. Embryo transfer experiments further confirmed that STC-1 and STC-2 expression at the implantation sites was induced by the implanting blastocyst. Both STC-1 mRNA and immunostaining were seen in the decidualized cells from day seven (D7) to day nine (D9) of pregnancy. STC-2 mRNA was also found in the whole decidua from D7 to D9 of pregnancy; STC-2 protein, however, was strictly localized to the primary deciduas on D7 and D8, with a weak expression in the whole deciduas on D9. Consistent with the normal pregnancy process, strong STC-1 and STC-2 mRNA signals were detected in the decidualized cells under artificial decidualization, whereas only basal levels of STC-1 mRNA and immunostaining were observed in the control horn. These data suggest, for the first time, that STC-1 together with STC-2 may play important roles in the processes of implantation and decidualization in the rat.     

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the endometrium of bitches

The relationships between activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the canine uterus and the occurrence of degeneration of the luminal epithelium, cystic endometrial hyperplasia, pyometra and uterine remodelling post partum were determined. Mature bitches (n = 10) were ovariectomized, treated with hormones (oestradiol benzoate, progestagen) and investigated at stages simulating pro-oestrus (n = 2), oestrus (n = 2), dioestrus (n = 2), and mid- (n = 2) and late (n = 2) anoestrus (3 and 9 weeks, respectively, after cessation of treatment with progestagen). Untreated bitches (n = 1 per group) served as controls (Expt 1). An additional 10 ovariectomized bitches, at the end of treatment-induced simulated dioestrus, were treated each day for a further 3 weeks either with the same dose (standard dose, n = 3), a decreased dose (n = 3) or an increased dose (n = 3) of progestagen, or no treatment (withdrawal dose, n = 1). These bitches were then investigated (Expt 2). A suture was placed in the lumen of one uterine horn of another five bitches at ovariectomy. Three of these bitches were treated to induce simulated dioestrus and two bitches served as untreated controls. In the hormone-treated bitches, the suture resulted in cystic endometrial hyperplasia in one bitch and in cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra in two bitches. The control bitches showed no cystic endometrial hyperplasia or pyometra (Expt 3). Four intact bitches were studied at 2 (n = 1), 3 (n = 2) and 11 (n = 1) weeks post partum. Uterine tissues were also collected from two bitches with naturally occurring cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra (Expt 4). All uteri were examined histologically and the activities of MMP-2, -7 and -9 (latent and active forms) were assessed using zymography of extracts of endometrium. In Expts 1 and 2, marked degeneration of the luminal epithelium in six of 25 bitches (simulated mid-anoestrus, withdrawal dose and decreased dose groups) was not associated with changes in MMP activities. Markedly increased activities of MMP-2 (active form), -7 (latent form) and -9 (active and latent forms) were observed in the bitches with cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra (but not with cystic endometrial hyperplasia alone) and in the bitches at 2 and 3 weeks post partum (but not at 11 weeks post partum). These results indicate that MMPs are not involved with degeneration of the luminal epithelium, but are involved with uterine remodelling in the postpartum bitch and with cystic endometrial hyperplasia with pyometra.     

Expression of prolactin-related protein I at the fetomaternal interface during the implantation period in cows

The bovine placenta secretes multiple molecules during implantation and placentation, many of which are produced by binucleate cells. In this study, production of prolactin-related protein I (PRP-I), a member of the non-classical prolactin-related family, was investigated during the implantation period in cows. Expression of bovine PRP-I (bPRP-I) in the placentome was examined during the preimplantation (days 17-19), implantation (days 20-25) and post-implantation (days 30-60) periods by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and in situ hybridization. During the preimplantation period, both bPRP-I and bovine placental lactogen (bPL) were undetectable in trophoblastic cells. Both bPRP-I mRNA and protein appeared first at day 20 of gestation in trophoblastic binucleate cells and multinuclear cells that might migrate into the endometrium and fuse to epithelium; however, no bPL was detected in binucleate cells at this time. After implantation, on day 30, both bPRP-I and bPL were detected in binucleate cells and were co-expressed in the same cells. These data indicate that bPRP-I may play a role before implantation and that bPRP-I may be an excellent marker for trophoblastic cell differentiation, as well as a candidate for pregnancy diagnosis.     

The complete control of murine pregnancy from embryo implantation to parturition

The ovary is the main secretory source of progestin and estrogen and is indispensable to the maintenance of all events of pregnancy in mice. The purpose of this study was to control all processes of pregnancy in mice, from embryo implantation to parturition, without ovaries. The ovaries were removed before embryo implantation, and a single injection of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) was given. Embryo implantation was induced by leukemia inhibitory factor, which can substitute 17β-estradiol (E(2)). Continuous exposure to E(2) was necessary at mid-pregnancy, when placentation was completed. All mice sustained pregnancy without ovaries before parturition, which was initiated by the removal of E(2) and MPA. Murine pregnancy is a complicated process involving embryo implantation, placentation, and parturition. Complete control of pregnancy was achieved with the simple treatment of MPA and E(2) after induction of embryo implantation. Here, time-dependent events in the uterus during pregnancy could be realized without the ovaries, because the initiation of each event could be stringently controlled by hormonal treatments.     

The relationship between tear film MMP-9 and meibomian gland changes during soft contact lens wear

PurposeTo investigate the association between levels of MMP-9, a common marker of inflammation in tears, and changes to the meibomian glands accompanying soft contact lens (CL) wear.MethodsFlush tears were collected from: (1) three groups of CL wearers who had worn CLs on a daily basis for different durations (Short: 2 ± 1 years, Moderate: 5 ± 1 years and Long experience: 10 ± 2 years); (2) a group of previous CL wearers (PWs) who had ceased wear for at least 6 months; and (3) healthy non-wearers (NW) as a control group. Total MMP-9 and its inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of MMPs-1 (TIMP-1) concentration were established using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The MMP-9: TIMP-1 ratio was calculated for every individual, and then the average of all ratios for each group were compared. The non-parametric statistical Kruskal Wallis one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison, with Dunn’s testing post-hoc.ResultsTear samples from 100 participants (51 females; mean age ± SD: 25.4 ± 4.1 years) were analysed. MMP-9 concentrations and MMP-9:TIMP-1 ratio were significantly different between groups (Kruskal Wallis p = 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively), while the concentration of TIMP-1 did not vary statistically between study groups (Kruskal Wallis, p = 0.32). Post hoc analysis indicated that only CL wearers with short experience had MMP-9 concentrations that were significantly high compared to NWs (23.1 ± 17.9 ng/mL and 4.1 ± 4.1 ng/mL, respectively, Dunn p < 0.001). Additionally, the ratio of MMP-9 to TIMP-1 concentration was only significantly greater in CL wearers with short experience (mean ratio ± SD = 1.15 ± 0.76) when compared to NWs (0.19 ± 0.29, Dunn P < 0.001), CL wearers with moderate experience (0.37 ± 0.41; P = 0.01) and PWs (0.38 ± 0.36; P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe early years of CL wear appear to be associated with increased expression of MMP-9 relative to its inhibitor TIMP-1. This may be indicative of low-level inflammation during this phase of wear. The role this plays in propagating dry eye disease and MGD in CL wear requires further exploration.