Uterine and placental distribution of selected extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the dog. ...

• Main Authors: Graubner, Felix R, Boos, Alois, Aslan, Selim, Kücükaslan, Ibrahim, Kowalewski, Mariusz P
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: BioScientifica 2018
• Subjects: 570 Life sciences; biology; 610 Medicine & health; Canis lupus
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.7892/boris.114640; https://boris.unibe.ch/114640/

For many years, modifications of the uterine extracellular matrix (ECM) during gestation have not been considered as critical for successful canine (Canis lupus familiaris) pregnancy. However previous reports indicated an effect of free-floating blastocysts on the composition of the uterine ECM. Here, the expression of selected genes involved in structural functions, cell-to-cell communication and inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases were targeted utilizing qPCR and immunohistochemistry. We found that canine free-floating embryos affect gene expression of FN1, ECM1 and TIMP4. This seems to be associated with modulation of trophoblast invasion, and proliferative and adhesive functions of the uterus. Although not modulated at the beginning of pregnancy, the decrease of structural ECM components (i.e., COL1, -3, -4 and LAMA) from pre-implantation towards post-implantation at placentation sites appears to be associated with softening of the tissue in preparation for trophoblast invasion. The further decrease ...