Immunhistologische Untersuchungen zur Expression der Wachstumsfaktoren Transforming growth factor-α, -β1, -β2 und -β3 sowie der Matrixmetalloproteinase-2im zyklischen Endometrium des Pferdes

Immunhistologische Untersuchungen zur Expression der Wachstumsfaktoren Transforming growth factor-α, -β1, -β2 und -β3 sowie der Matrixmetalloproteinase-2im zyklischen Endometrium des Pferdes

Immunohistochemical identification of the growth factors Transforming growth factor-α, -β1, -β2 and -β3 as well as the matrixmetalloproteinase-2 in the cyclic equine endometrium

Kiesow C, Ellenberger C, Sieme H, Schoon H-A

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20100202
Jahr: 2010
Volume: 26
Ausgabe: 2
Seiten: 130-140

Little is known about variations of the expression of growth factors of the Transforming growth factor-family and the enzyme matrixmetalloproteinase- 2 (MMP-2) during the estrous cycle of the mare. Hence, the aim of this study was to define the expression patterns of Transforming growth factor-(TGF-), -1, -2, -3 (TGF-1, -2, -3) and MMP-2 throughout the reproductive cycle using immunohistochemical methods. For this purpose endometrial biopsies (n=21) taken at selected days of the cycle from three mares with known serum estradiol and progesterone levels. Growth factors TGF-, TGF-1, -3 and the enzyme MMP-2 were examined using monoclonal antibodies, TGF-2 using polyclonal antibodies. Whereas TGF-and TGF-3 do not show any obviously recognizable cycle-dependant variations in expression of stromal and glandular cells, TGF-1, -2 and MMP-2 demonstrate a cycle-dependent expression. In stroma and glandular cells a maximum of TGF-1 expression is observed in postestrus until intermediate diestrus. In luminal epithelia TGF-1 is predominantly detectable until intermediate diestrus. Glandular cells show in generally a lower expression of TGF-2 with a slightly higher reactivity during estrus. The stromal expression of TGF-2 shows no remarkable variations during the reproductive cycle, but a discreet increase of expression is observed in intermediate until late diestrus as well as during estrus. In luminal epithelia a homologous maximal expression of TGF-2 und-3 appears in intermediate until late diestrus as well as during estrus. The maximum of expression of MMP-2 in stromal cells is associated with intermediate to late diestrus. Defining the physiological expression of TGF-growth factors and the enzyme MMP-2 in the equine endometrium provides a base for further research on biopsies of mares with endometrosis. Only by this comparison it will be possible to provide new insights into the aetiopathogenesis of endometrosis which is until not clarified so far.