Submission Number: BET-4-35-26

Abstract Number: 391

INFLUENCE OF PROGESTERONE, ESTRADIOL AND RELAXIN ON UTERINE DIFFERENTIATION IN OVARIECTOMIZED MARMOSET MONKEYS.

Bettina Husen ¹, Claudia Binder ², Thorsten Hagemann ² and Almuth Einspanier* ¹

Dept. of Reproduction Biology, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany ¹
Dept. of Hematology/Oncology, Georg-August-University, Göttingen, Germany ²

Abstract:
Endometrial tissue undergoes considerable remodeling in order to provide a suitable environment for embryo implantation. Whereas the contributions of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) to this process are well understood, the action of relaxin (RLX) remains equivocal. In the present study the influence of the three hormones was investigated in vivo, in adult ovariectomized marmoset monkeys. Hormones were applied in the following doses, either alone or in combination: 50 g/d P, days 1-10; 35 g/d E2, days 1-10 and 300g/d porcine RLX, days 1-3 or days 7-10. Uterine tissue remodeling was monitored by immunodetection of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) 1-3 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) 1-3 as well as by quantitative RT-PCR of the corresponding mRNAs. In addition, mRNA-expression of 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17-HSDs) type 2 and type 4 were used as markers for secretory transformation of the endometrium. Neither MMPs nor TIMPs were detectable in control animals treated with saline only and in those injected with P alone. A pronounced expression of these proteins was observed in all groups that had received RLX or E2, either alone or in combination. These treatments also elicited the greatest gain in uterine weight. The closest resemblance to a physiological secretory endometrium was achieved only by a combination of P, E2 and RLX. In conclusion, RLX alone showed comparable effects to those of E2 whereas these two hormones act synergistically when applied together . These results support the hypothesis that RLX is involved in promoting uterine changes necessary for successful implantation in primate endometrium. (Supported by DFG-grant Ei333/6-1).

Keywords: MMPs, TIMPs, 17-HSD, marmoset monkey

This abstract is being presented at: 8:00 AM in session:
Uterus/Oviduct I