Date of Graduation
2007
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
Seminal plasma (SP) transforming growth factor β-1 (TGFβ-1) presumably is an immune modulator in mammalian female reproductive tract. Four experiments examined (1) distribution of TGFβ-1 and associated molecules in sheep uterus shortly after breeding, (2) role of SP in stimulating uterine TGFβ-1 as embryo enters the uterine horn, (3) SP TGFβ-1 on gene expression of immune tolerance related factors at embryonic attachment, and (4) relationship of SP TGFβ-1 and sperm characteristics in rams and bulls. Ewes were mounted (day 0) but not mated or were mated by intact or vasectomized rams or were inseminated with semen containing additional or less TGFβ-1. Uterus was collected day 0, 2, 4, 6 or 22. Total and latent luminal TGFβ-1 concentrations varied among days 0, 2, 4 and 6, and were affected by serum progesterone concentration; luminal active TGFβ-1 appeared highest on day 4 and lowest on day 6. Tissue staining for TGFβ-1 was strongest at estrus in endometrial epithelium, glands closer to lumen, endothelium, phagocytes and fibroblasts. TGFβ-1 receptor type II was in myometrial blood vessel muscularis, phagocytes, and deep uterine gland epithelia. Decorin, which sequesters active TGFβ-1, was in serosa and extracellular space surrounding myometrial muscle fibers and tunica adventitia. Shift in distribution of TGFβ-1, its receptor, and decorin was observed with stronger immunostaining in luminal proximity on day 0 and 2. Content of TGFβ-1 in tissue layers did not vary, and luminal and tissue concentrations did not differ due to SP. Thus, uterine TGFβ-1 did not have SP origin. Further, SP TGFβ-1 had no effect on expression of maternal immune tolerance factors, although expression of cell cycle and anti-cancerous-like genes were down-regulated in artificially inseminated ewes and more so in the group with less TGFβ-1. Concentration of TGFβ-1 in ram and bull SP was not correlated to sperm morphology or motility or TGFβ-1 in blood (rams). In conclusion, location of TGFβ-1 in uterus early after mating shifted, but TGFβ-1 concentration was not dependent on SP. Gene expression at placental attachment was affected by SP TGFβ-1 suggesting that SP TGFβ-1, in conjunction with other SP components, has functions other than immuno-regulatory.
Recommended Citation
Holaskova, Ida, "I. Distribution of transforming growth factor beta 1, TGF receptor II and decorin in the sheep uterus shortly after breeding. II. Effect of TGF beta 1 on gene expression in the sheep uterus at the time of embryo attachment. III. Concentration of TGF beta 1, 2, and 3 in beef bull and ram seminal plasma." (2007). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 9047.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/9047