Epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-
(TGF), heparin-binding EGF-like factor (HB-EGF) and amphiregulin (AR) bind to the same EGF receptor (EGFR) and belong to EGF family. This study was done to examine immunohistochemically the presence of EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR in monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR were mainly localized in glandular epithelium and luminal epithelium. TGF, AR and HB-EGF staining were stronger in glandular epithelium close to myometrium than that close to luminal epithelium. During the menstrual cycle, a low level of EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR staining was found on days 1 and 6 of menstrual cycle. The density of EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR staining began to increase on day 9. A high level of EGF and EGFR staining was maintained on days 12, 16, 20 and 25 of menstrual cycle. The highest level of TGF, AR and HB-EGF staining was shown on days 16 and 20 of menstrual cycle. In early pregnancy(day of ovulation = day 1), a low level of EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR staining appeared on days 1 and 2 of pregnancy. The density of EGF and TGFstaining on day 3 of pregnancy was stronger than that on days 5 and 7. The highest level of EGF and TGFwas detected on days 9 and 11 of pregnancy. The level of HB-EGF and EGFR staining began to increase on day 3 of pregnancy and reached the highest on days 9 and 11. AR staining increased on day 3 of pregnancy, reached the highest level on day 9 and declined on day 11. The high level of EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR staining observed during the mid-luteal phase and the peri-implantation period suggests that EGF, TGF, AR, HB-EGF and EGFR may play a role in monkey implantation.
This abstract is being presented on Monday, August 2 at 2:45 PM at Todd 133.