Medycyna Wet. 66 (9), 618-621, 2010
| Antosik P., Kempisty B., Jackowska M., Bukowska D., Wożna M., Lianeri M., Brüssow K.-P., Jaśkowski J. M. |
| Differential expression of genes encoding EGF, IGF-I, TGF â1, TGF â2 and TGF â3 in porcine endometrium during estrus cycle at different ages |
| The endometrium undergoes several biochemical and morphological changes during estrus and early pregnancy. These changes include expression of genes encoding growth factors that stimulate the endometrium to proliferate, differentiate and develop. All of these factors have been well defined in the porcine endometrium during pregnancy. However, further investigation is necessary into the expression of growth factors during estrus. Gonadotropin-primed (eCG, hCG) prepuberal gilts (n = 20), cycling gilts (n = 20) and multiparous sows (n = 20) were used in this study. After using real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) reaction methods, the gene expression of genes encoding epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factors (TGF) â1, â2, and â3 was determined in the porcine endometrium during estrus in different periods of porcine life. An increased level of all transcripts under investigation was found in prepuberal gilts, cycling gilts and multiparous sows during estrus as compared to non-estrous controls. Moreover, the examinations demonstrated higher levels of EGF and IGF mRNAs in the endometrium isolated from multiparous sows as compared to prepuberal gilts and cycling gilts. Such results suggest that increased levels of these growth factors in estrous females as compared to controls may be associated with biochemical changes and hormone secretion in the endometrium during this period. This may also be associated with the preparation of the endometrium for pregnancy and successful embryo implantation. The results achieved require further investigations involving the analysis of protein levels and the evaluation of hormone concentrations. |
| Keywords: pig, estrus, endometrium, growth factors |