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Cyclic Modulation of Integrin Expression in Bovine Endometrium¹

^a Animal Science Department, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada B2N 5B1

Integrins are heterodimeric glycoproteins involved in cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. In this study, the spatial and temporal distribution of selected integrins and extracellular matrix proteins was determined in bovine endometrium from cycling and ovariectomized animals using indirect immunohistochemistry. The expression of integrins ₆ and _vß₃ was estrous cycle-dependent. Strong immunostaining for _vß₃ occurred in the basement membrane region of intercaruncular luminal epithelium except on Day 16 (P < 0.05). Staining of subepithelial stromal cells declined in diestrous samples (P < 0.05). In all samples, there was reduced _vß₃ reactivity in the caruncles. Staining for ₆ decreased in the epithelial basement membrane at proestrus through estrus (Days 18–0). Expression of integrin subunits ₃ and ₄ was cycle-independent. Moderate staining for ₃ was detected on epithelium and ₄ was present on stromal cells. The distribution of ß₁ suggested dimerization with ₃, ₄, and ₆. Laminin was detected in the epithelial and vasculature basement membranes. Collagen IV was present in the glandular epithelium basement membrane and subepithelial stromal cells, whereas fibronectin was found only in the stroma. Estrous cycle-dependent distribution and expression of _vß₃ and ₆ suggest their regulation by ovarian steroids, growth factors, and prostaglandins.

¹ This work was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing, Dairy Farmers of Canada.

² Correspondence: Leslie A. MacLaren, Department of Animal Science, Nova Scotia Agricultural College, Box 550, Truro, NS, Canada B2N 5B1. FAX: 902 895 6734; l.maclaren{at}nsac.ns.ca

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