Effect of cytokines and ovarian steroids on equine endometrial function: an in vitro study

• Published in: Reproduction fertility and development Vol. 25; no. 7; pp. 985 - 997
• Main Authors: Galvão, A, Valente, L, Skarzynski, D. J, Szóstek, A, Piotrowska-Tomala, K, Rebordão, M. R, Mateus, L, Ferreira-Dias, G
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia CSIRO Publishing 01.01.2013
• Subjects: animal ovaries; Animals; Cell Survival - drug effects; cell viability; Cytokines - pharmacology; endometrium; Endometrium - blood supply; Endometrium - drug effects; Endometrium - physiology; epithelium; estradiol; Estradiol - pharmacology; Estrous Cycle; Fas Ligand Protein - analysis; Fas Ligand Protein - genetics; Female; Horses - physiology; in vitro studies; interferon-gamma; Interferon-gamma - analysis; mares; messenger RNA; Neovascularization, Physiologic - drug effects; nitric oxide; oxytocin; Oxytocin - pharmacology; progesterone; Progesterone - pharmacology; prostaglandins; Prostaglandins - secretion; receptors; Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor - genetics; RNA, Messenger - analysis; secretion; steroids; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - analysis; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - genetics; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha - pharmacology; tumor necrosis factors
• ISSN: 1031-3613
• DOI: 10.1071/rd12153

Regulation of immune–endocrine interactions in the equine endometrium is not fully understood. The aims of the present study were to: (1) investigate the presence of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF), interferon gamma (IFNG), Fas ligand (FASLG) and their receptors in the mare endometrium throughout the oestrous cycle; and (2) assess endometrial secretory function (prostaglandins), angiogenic activity and cell viability in response to TNF, oestradiol (E2), progesterone (P4) and oxytocin (OXT). Transcription of TNF and FASLG mRNA increased during the early and late luteal phase (LP), whereas IFNG mRNA increased in late LP. Transcription of the mRNA of both TNF receptors was highest in the mid-LP. All cytokines and receptors were expressed in surface and glandular epithelium, as well as in the stroma. Expression of TNF and its receptor TNFRSF1A increased during the follicular phase (FP) and mid-LP. IFNG was expressed in the mid-LP, whereas its receptor IFNR1 was expressed in the in mid- and late LP. The highest expression of FASLG and FAS occurred during the late LP. OXT increased the secretion of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2α in the FP and mid-LP. In the mid-LP, E2 and P4+E2 stimulated PGF2α secretion, whereas TNF and P4 increased cell viability. All treatments, with the exception of P4, increased nitric oxide and angiogenic activity in both phases. The coordinated action of cytokines and ovarian hormones may regulate secretory, angiogenic and proliferative functions in the equine endometrium.