mRNA expression of prostaglandin E receptors EP₂ and EP₄ and the changes in glycosaminoglycans in the sheep cervix during the estrous cycle

Transcervical artificial insemination in sheep is limited by the inability to completely penetrate the cervix with an inseminating pipette. Penetration is partially enhanced at estrus due to a degree of cervical relaxation, which is probably regulated by cervical prostaglandin synthesis and extracel...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Theriogenology 2009-07, Vol.72 (2), p.251-261
Main Authors: Kershaw-Young, C.M, Khalid, M, McGowan, M.R, Pitsillides, A.A, Scaramuzzi, R.J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animals
biochemical mechanisms
cervical relaxation
cervix
Cervix Uteri - chemistry
Cervix Uteri - physiology
Estrous Cycle - physiology
estrus
ewes
extracellular matrix
Female
Gene Expression
glycosaminoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans - analysis
hormone receptors
hormone secretion
hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic Acid - analysis
In Situ Hybridization
luteinizing hormone
messenger RNA
muscle contraction
Muscle, Smooth - chemistry
prostaglandins
Receptors, Prostaglandin E - genetics
Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP2 Subtype
Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP4 Subtype
RNA, Messenger - analysis
Sheep - physiology
smooth muscle
temporal variation
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Summary:Transcervical artificial insemination in sheep is limited by the inability to completely penetrate the cervix with an inseminating pipette. Penetration is partially enhanced at estrus due to a degree of cervical relaxation, which is probably regulated by cervical prostaglandin synthesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. Prostaglandin E₂ acts via prostaglandin E receptors EP₁ to EP₄, and EP₂ and EP₄ stimulate smooth muscle relaxation and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. This study investigated the expression of EP₂ and EP₄ mRNA and glycosaminoglycans in the sheep cervix during the estrous cycle. Sheep cervices were collected prior to, during, and after the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge and during the luteal phase. The mRNA expression of EP₂ and EP₄ was determined by in situ hybridization, glycosaminoglycan composition was assessed by Alcian blue staining, and hyaluronan concentration was investigated by ELISA. The expression of EP₂ mRNA was greatest prior to the LH surge (P =0.02), although EP₂ and EP₄ were expressed throughout the estrous cycle. Hyaluronan was the predominant glycosaminoglycan, and hyaluronan content increased prior to the LH surge (P
ISSN:0093-691X
1879-3231
DOI:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.02.018