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Li Y, Martin TE, Hancock JM, Li R, Viswanathan S, Lydon JP, Zheng Y, Ye X. Visualization of preimplantation uterine fluid absorption in mice using Alexa Fluor™ 488 Hydrazide†. Biol Reprod 2023; 108:204-217. [PMID: 36308434 PMCID: PMC9930399 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fluid plays important roles in supporting early pregnancy events and its timely absorption is critical for embryo implantation. In mice, its volume is maximum on day 0.5 post-coitum (D0.5) and approaches minimum upon embryo attachment ~D4.0. Its secretion and absorption in ovariectomized rodents were shown to be promoted by estrogen and progesterone (P4), respectively. The temporal mechanisms in preimplantation uterine fluid absorption remain to be elucidated. We have established an approach using intraluminally injected Alexa Fluor™ 488 Hydrazide (AH) in preimplantation control (RhoAf/f) and P4-deficient RhoAf/fPgrCre/+ mice. In control mice, bulk entry (seen as smeared cellular staining) via uterine luminal epithelium (LE) decreases from D0.5 to D3.5. In P4-deficient RhoAf/fPgrCre/+ mice, bulk entry on D0.5 and D3.5 is impaired. Exogenous P4 treatment on D1.5 and D2.5 increases bulk entry in D3.5 P4-deficient RhoAf/fPgrCre/+ LE, while progesterone receptor (PR) antagonist RU486 treatment on D1.5 and D2.5 diminishes bulk entry in D3.5 control LE. The abundance of autofluorescent apical fine dots, presumptively endocytic vesicles to reflect endocytosis, in the LE cells is generally increased from D0.5 to D3.5 but its regulation by exogenous P4 or RU486 is not obvious under our experimental setting. In the glandular epithelium (GE), bulk entry is rarely observed and green cellular dots do not show any consistent differences among all the investigated conditions. This study demonstrates the dominant role of LE but not GE, the temporal mechanisms of bulk entry and endocytosis in the LE, and the inhibitory effects of P4-deficiency and RU486 on bulk entry in the LE in preimplantation uterine fluid absorption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehuan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Taylor Elijah Martin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jonathan Matthew Hancock
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Rong Li
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Suvitha Viswanathan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - John P Lydon
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology, Children’s Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Xiaoqin Ye
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Xu JW, Gao DD, Peng L, Qiu ZE, Ke LJ, Zhu YX, Zhang YL, Zhou WL. The gasotransmitter hydrogen sulfide inhibits transepithelial anion secretion of pregnant mouse endometrial epithelium. Nitric Oxide 2019; 90:37-46. [PMID: 31175932 DOI: 10.1016/j.niox.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial epithelium exhibits a robust ion transport activity required for dynamical regulation of uterine fluid environment and thus embryo implantation. However, there still lacks a thorough understanding of the ion transport processes and regulatory mechanism in peri-implantation endometrial epithelium. As a gaseous signaling molecule or gasotransmitter, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) regulates a myriad of cellular and physiological processes in various tissues, including the modulation of ion transport proteins in epithelium. This study aimed to investigate the effects of H2S on ion transport across mouse endometrial epithelium and its possible role in embryo implantation. The existence of endogenous H2S in pregnant mouse uterus was tested by the detection of two key H2S-generating enzymes and measurement of H2S production rate in tissue homogenates. Transepithelial ion transport processes were electrophysiologically assessed in Ussing chambers on early pregnant mouse endometrial epithelial layers, demonstrating that H2S suppressed the anion secretion by blocking cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). H2S increased intracellular Cl- concentration ([Cl-]i) in mouse endometrial epithelial cells, which was abolished by pretreatment with the CFTR selective inhibitor CFTRinh-172. The cAMP level in mouse endometrial epithelial cells was not affected by H2S, indicating that H2S blocked CFTR in a cAMP-independent way. In vivo study showed that interference with H2S synthesis impaired embryo implantation. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that H2S inhibits the transepithelial anion secretion of early pregnant mouse endometrial epithelium via blockade of CFTR, contributing to the preparation for embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wen Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Dong Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lei Peng
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuo-Er Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Jiao Ke
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xin Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Lin Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Wen-Liang Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, 510006, No. 132, Waihuan Dong Road, Higher Education Mega Center, Guangzhou, China.
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Alsop TA, McLeod BJ, Butt AG. Variations in epithelial Na(+) transport and epithelial sodium channel localisation in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, during the oestrous cycle. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 28:328-36. [PMID: 25056576 DOI: 10.1071/rd13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The fluid in the vaginal cul-de-sac of the brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, is copious at ovulation when it may be involved in sperm transport or maturation, but is rapidly reabsorbed following ovulation. We have used the Ussing short-circuit current (Isc) technique and measurements of transcript and protein expression of the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) to determine if variations in electrogenic Na(+) transport are associated with this fluid absorption. Spontaneous Isc (<20µAcm(-2) during anoestrus, 60-80µAcm(-2) in cycling animals) was inhibited by serosal ouabain. Mucosal amiloride (10µmolL(-1)), an inhibitor of ENaC, had little effect on follicular Isc but reduced luteal Isc by ~35%. This amiloride-sensitive Isc was dependent on mucosal Na(+) and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50)-amiloride (0.95μmolL(-1)) was consistent with ENaC-mediated Na(+) absorption. Results from polymerase chain reaction with reverse transcription (RT-PCR) indicate that αENaC mRNA is expressed in anoestrous, follicular and luteal phases. However, in follicular animals αENaC immunoreactivity in epithelial cells was distributed throughout the cytoplasm, whereas immunoreactivity was restricted to the apical pole of cells from luteal animals. These data suggest that increased Na(+) absorption contributes to fluid absorption during the luteal phase and is regulated by insertion of ENaC into the apical membrane of cul-de-sac epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-A Alsop
- Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - B J McLeod
- AgResearch Invermay, Private Bag 50034 Mosgiel 9053, New Zealand
| | - A G Butt
- Department of Physiology, Otago School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Zhou M, Fu J, Huang W, Shen L, Xiao L, Song Y, Liu Y. Increased cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators expression and decreased epithelial sodium channel alpha subunits expression in early abortion: findings from a mouse model and clinical cases of abortion. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99521. [PMID: 24914548 PMCID: PMC4051784 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The status of the maternal endometrium is vital in regulating humoral homeostasis and for ensuring embryo implantation. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTR) and epithelial sodium channel alpha subunits (ENaC-α) play an important role in female reproduction by maintaining humoral and cell homeostasis. However, it is not clear whether the expression levels of CFTR and ENaC-α in the decidual component during early pregnancy are related with early miscarriage. CBA×DBA/2 mouse mating has been widely accepted as a classical model of early miscarriage. The abortion rate associated with this mating was 33.33% in our study. The decidua of abortion-prone CBA female mice (DBA/2 mated) had higher CFTR mRNA and protein expression and lower ENaC-α mRNA and protein expression, compared to normal pregnant CBA mice (BLAB/C mated). Furthermore, increased CFTR expression and decreased ENaC-α expression were observed in the uterine tissue from women with early miscarriage, as compared to those with successful pregnancy. In conclusion, increased CFTR expression and decreased ENaC-α expression in the decidua of early abortion may relate with failure of early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Fu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
- * E-mail:
| | - Licong Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Sichuan University-The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, West China Institute of Women and Children's Health, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, People's Republic of China
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Ruan YC, Chen H, Chan HC. Ion channels in the endometrium: regulation of endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Hum Reprod Update 2014; 20:517-29. [PMID: 24591147 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmu006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although embryo implantation is a prerequisite for human reproduction, it remains a poorly understood process. The molecular mechanisms regulating endometrial receptivity and/or embryo implantation are still largely unclear. METHODS Pubmed and Medline literature databases were searched for articles in English published up to December 2013 with relevant keywords including 'endometrium', 'Na(+), Cl(-), K(+), or Ca(2+) channels', 'ion channels', 'endometrial receptivity', 'blastocyst implantation' and 'embryo implantation'. RESULTS At the time of writing, more than 14 types of ion channels, including the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, epithelial sodium channel and various Ca(2+) and K(+) channels, had been reported to be expressed in the endometrium or cells of endometrial origin. In vitro and/or in vivo studies conducted on different species, including rodents, pigs and humans, demonstrated the involvement of various ion channels in the process of embryo implantation by regulating: (i) uterine luminal fluid volume; (ii) decidualization; and (iii) the expression of the genes associated with implantation. Importantly, abnormal ion channel expression was found to be associated with implantation failure in IVF patients. CONCLUSIONS Ion channels in the endometrium are emerging as important players in regulating endometrial receptivity and embryo implantation. Abnormal expression or function of ion channels in the endometrium may lead to impaired endometrial receptivity and/or implantation failure. Further investigation into the roles of endometrial ion channels may provide a better understanding of the complex process of embryo implantation and thus reveal novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Chun Ruan
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Hui Chen
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
| | - Hsiao Chang Chan
- Sichuan University - The Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for Reproductive Medicine, Key Laboratory of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Pediatric Diseases and Birth Defects of Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China Epithelial Cell Biology Research Center, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong
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Lindsay LA, Murphy CR. Ovarian hyperstimulation affects fluid transporters in the uterus: a potential mechanism in uterine receptivity. Reprod Fertil Dev 2014; 26:982-90. [DOI: 10.1071/rd12396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation is commonly used in fertility treatment. Evidence suggests that this could alter the endometrial environment and influence implantation rate. However, the mechanisms underlying this disruption are unknown. A recently developed rat ovarian hyperstimulation (OH) model found alterations in the localisation and expression of several molecules associated with implantation, as well as an increase in luminal fluid at the time of implantation. The present study investigated the effects of OH in rats on the expression of fluid-transporting molecules aquaporin 5 (AQP5) and claudin 4. The expression of these proteins was investigated in uterine luminal epithelial cells of rats undergoing OH and compared with normal pregnancy. There was a significant increase in AQP5 protein in OH rats at the time of implantation, along with a loss of the mesometrial staining gradient, which is thought to contribute to implantation position. At the same time, there was a significant decrease in claudin 4 protein. These results suggest that OH in rats causes a dysregulation in uterine fluid dynamics through modifications to fluid-transporting molecules, resulting in an unfavourable implantation environment for the blastocyst.
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Chan HC, Chen H, Ruan Y, Sun T. Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Epithelial Barrier of the Female Reproductive Tract. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 763:193-217. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4711-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Ion channels/transporters as epigenetic regulators? -a microRNA perspective. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2012; 55:753-60. [PMID: 23015123 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-012-4369-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations in response to changes in an extracellular microenvironment have been observed and considered as one of the major mechanisms for epigenetic modifications of the cell. While enormous efforts have been made in the understanding of the role of miRNAs in regulating cellular responses to the microenvironment, the mechanistic insight into how extracellular signals can be transduced into miRNA alterations in cells is still lacking. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that ion channels/transporters, which are known to conduct or transport ions across the cell membrane, also exhibit changes in levels of expression and activities in response to changes of extracellular microenvironment. More importantly, alterations in expression and function of ion channels/transporters have been shown to result in changes in miRNAs that are known to change in response to alteration of the microenvironment. In this review, we aim to summarize the recent data demonstrating the ability of ion channels/transporters to transduce extracellular signals into miRNA changes and propose a potential link between cells and their microenvironment through ion channels/transporters. At the same time, we hope to provide new insights into epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying a number of physiological and pathological processes, including embryo development and cancer metastasis.
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Ajonuma LC. Is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) the main mediator in ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)? Med Hypotheses 2008; 70:1174-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Feroze-Zaidi F, Fusi L, Takano M, Higham J, Salker MS, Goto T, Edassery S, Klingel K, Boini KM, Palmada M, Kamps R, Groothuis PG, Lam EWF, Smith SK, Lang F, Sharkey AM, Brosens JJ. Role and regulation of the serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 in fertile and infertile human endometrium. Endocrinology 2007; 148:5020-9. [PMID: 17640988 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Using cDNA microarray analysis, we identified SGK1 (serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1) as a gene aberrantly expressed in midsecretory endometrium of women with unexplained infertility. SGK1 is a serine/threonine kinase involved primarily in epithelial ion transport and cell survival responses. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis of a larger, independent sample set timed to coincide with the period of uterine receptivity confirmed increased expression of SGK1 transcripts in infertile women compared with fertile controls. We further demonstrate that SGK1 expression is regulated by progesterone in human endometrium in vivo as well as in explant cultures. During the midsecretory phase of the cycle, SGK1 mRNA and protein were predominantly but not exclusively expressed in the luminal epithelium, and expression in this cellular compartment was higher in infertile women. In the stromal compartment, SGK1 expression was largely confined to decidualizing cells adjacent to the luminal epithelium. In primary culture, SGK1 was induced and phosphorylated upon decidualization of endometrial stromal cells in response to 8-bromo-cAMP and progestin treatment. Moreover, overexpression of SGK1 in decidualizing cells enhanced phosphorylation and cytoplasmic translocation of the forkhead transcription factor FOXO1 and inhibited the expression of PRL, a major decidual marker gene. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous SGK1 by small interfering RNA increased nuclear FOXO1 levels and enhanced PRL expression. The observation that SGK1 targets FOXO1 in differentiating human endometrium, together with its distinct temporal and spatial expression pattern and increased expression in infertile patients, suggest a major role for this kinase in early pregnancy events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fakhera Feroze-Zaidi
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London, United Kingdom
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Hugentobler SA, Morris DG, Sreenan JM, Diskin MG. Ion concentrations in oviduct and uterine fluid and blood serum during the estrous cycle in the bovine. Theriogenology 2007; 68:538-48. [PMID: 17617447 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2006] [Revised: 04/23/2007] [Accepted: 04/25/2007] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In the bovine up to 40% of embryos die before implantation but despite the importance of ions in oviduct and uterine fluid formation and in gamete, zygote and early embryo development there is very little published information on the ion concentrations of oviduct or uterine fluid. The free anions chloride, phosphate and sulphate and the free cations sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium were measured in oviduct fluid on days 0, 2, 4 and 6 and in uterine fluid on days 6, 8 and 14 and in corresponding blood samples. Oviduct and uterine fluids were collected in situ. Sodium was 25-fold higher than potassium and 80-fold higher than the other ions and chloride was 10-fold higher than potassium and 40-fold higher than the other ions in oviduct and uterine fluid. Phosphate, sulphate, magnesium, potassium and calcium were at lower concentrations in all fluids. Oviduct calcium and sodium were higher on day 0 than other days. The most striking uterine differences were the higher potassium and lower chloride, sodium and magnesium on day 14 than other days. There were significant positive associations between oviduct and blood chloride, sulphate, magnesium and calcium while only uterine sulphate was positively related to its blood concentration. There was no relationship between fluid secretion rate and no association between the concentrations of systemic progesterone or oestradiol and any ion in oviduct or uterine fluid. The different concentrations and associations between ions in the oviduct, uterus and blood suggest a differential regulation of ion secretion by the oviduct and uterine epithelia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Hugentobler
- Animal Production Research Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, Co Galway, Ireland
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Salleh N, Baines DL, Naftalin RJ, Milligan SR. The hormonal control of uterine luminal fluid secretion and absorption. J Membr Biol 2006; 206:17-28. [PMID: 16440178 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-005-0770-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The secretion of uterine luminal fluid initially provides a transport and support medium for spermatozoa and unimplanted embryos, while the absorption of uterine luminal fluid in early pregnancy results in the closure of the lumen and allows blastocysts to establish intimate contact with the uterine epithelium. We have established an in vivo perfusion technique of the lumen to study the hormonal control of the events in the peri-implantation period. Fluorescein-labelled dextran was included in the perfusion medium to monitor fluid movements and the concentrations of Na(+) and CI(-) ions in the effluent were monitored. Using an established regimen of steroid treatment of ovariectomized rats mimicking early pregnancy, oestradiol caused fluid secretion, while progesterone resulted in an amiloride-sensitive fluid absorption. Fluid absorption peaked at about the expected time of implantation. The effect of progesterone could be inhibited by treatment with a high dose of oestradiol, by the anti-progestin RU486, and by the presence of an intra-uterine contraceptive device. Studies of expression of Na(+) and CI(-) channels (ENaC, CFTR) indicated that these channels were subject to tissue-specific regulation within the uterus, but more work is required to determine their role and the factors controlling their abundance and localization in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Salleh
- Division of Reproductive Health, Endocrinology & Development, Guy's Campus, King's College, London, SE1 1UL, UK
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Vetter AE, O'Grady SM. Sodium and anion transport across the avian uterine (shell gland) epithelium. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 208:479-86. [PMID: 15671336 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.01409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The uterine (shell gland) epithelium from the domestic chicken was mounted in Ussing chambers, bathed in symmetric avian saline solution on both apical and basolateral aspects and voltage clamped at 0 mV. The epithelium exhibited a basal short circuit current (I(sc)) that was partially inhibited by the epithelial Na(+) channel (ENaC) blockers, amiloride and benzamil (IC(50) values of 0.8 and 0.12 micromol l(-1), respectively). Inhibition of basal Na(+) absorption by 10 micromol l(-1) amiloride was confirmed by measurements of transepithelial Na(+) and Cl(-) fluxes, where inhibition of the apical-to-basolateral and net Na(+) flux occurred, but no significant effects on Cl(-) fluxes were detected. The amiloride-insensitive portion of the basal I(sc) was both Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) dependent and was inhibited by the Cl(-) channel blocker, diphenyl-2-carboxylate (DPC; 100 micromol l(-1)). Stimulation with 8-(4-chlorophenylthio)-cyclic 3'-5', adenosine monophosphate (8-cpt cAMP) produced a sustained increase in I(sc) that was dependent on both Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-). The magnitude of the amiloride-sensitive I(sc) was approximately twofold greater in birds where shell formation was complete, but oviposition had not yet occurred. In addition, the amiloride-sensitive I(sc) was greater in hens over the age of 55 weeks and in molting birds. The anion-dependent component of the basal I(sc) was reduced in older birds, and electrogenic HCO(3)(-) transport was nearly absent in molting birds. These results demonstrated that electrogenic Na(+) transport in avian shell gland was similar to the mammalian uterine epithelium and increased with age and during molting. Electrogenic Cl(-) and HCO(3)(-) transport were coupled under basal and cAMP stimulated conditions and basal anion transport decreased with age and during molting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisen E Vetter
- Cardiac Rhythm Management, Medtronic Corporation, 7000 Central Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55432, USA
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Page KR, Ashworth CJ, McArdle HJ, Finch AM, Nwagwu MO. Sodium transport across the chorioallantoic membrane of porcine placenta involves the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC). J Physiol 2003; 547:849-57. [PMID: 12562966 PMCID: PMC2342719 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2002.031153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2002] [Accepted: 01/02/2003] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The properties of chorioallantoic membrane derived from Large White Landrace sows at 45, 65 and 100 days gestation are examined. Under short circuit conditions positive charge flows from fetal to maternal sides of the tissue. Na+ is shown to be the sole charge carrier as the short circuit current is inhibited reversibly by fetal applications of amiloride and replacement of Na+ by choline in the Ringer solution, and irreversibly by both fetal and maternal applications of ouabain. The initial short circuit current is smaller at day 100 compared to days 45 and 65. The dose responses to amiloride indicate that the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is involved in the movement of Na+ and that it is accessible on the fetal side of the tissue only. Immunostaining shows that the ENaC-alpha subunit is present in both the allantoic membrane and the trophoblast. Uptake studies using microvillous (apical) membrane vesicles suggest it is either inactive or only weakly active at this site. The trophoblast at day 100 has a higher content of ENaC than at days 45 and 65. This is the first report of the presence of ENaC in placental tissues. The effects of ouabain indicate the presence of a Na+ pump that is more readily inhibited by applications of the drug on the maternal aspect of the tissue than on the fetal side. Differential mechanisms may be present that would allow net movement of Na+ in either direction across the chorioallantoic membrane according to the changing demands of the developing fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Page
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Aberdeen University, Scottish Agricultural College, Craibstone and Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, UK.
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Palmer-Densmore M, O'Grady SM. Calcium-dependent anion secretion in endometrial epithelial cells. CURRENT TOPICS IN MEMBRANES 2002. [DOI: 10.1016/s1063-5823(02)53039-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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