4 research outputs found
Detection of transforming growth factor-a and epidermal growth factor receptor mRNA and immunohistochemical localization of the corresponding proteins in the canine uterus during the estrous cycle
Uterine expression of the epidermal growth
factor (EGF) family of growth factors has not been
studied in the dog. The present study looks at the
presence of mRNA transcripts and immunohistochemical
localization for transforming growth factor-a
(TGF-a), which is the potent EGF family member, and
for EGF receptor (EGF-R) in the canine uterus during
the estrous cycle. The reverse transcriptase-polymerase
chain reaction together with sequencing of the products
confirmed the presence of their mRNA transcripts in the
endometrium throughout the estrous cycle.
Immunohistochemical analysis found clear positive
staining for TGF-a and EGF-R in the luminal and
glandular epithelia at proestrus and estrus. Immunoreactivity
decreased at the early stage of diestrus. In the
mid stage of diestrus, clear staining for TGF-a was
again found in the glands of the luminal region, and
staining for EGF-R was observed in all glands. Very
little staining was seen at anestrus for either TGF-a or
EGF-R. These results suggest that TGF-a expressed in
the uterus may be involved in regulating growth,
differentiation and regression in the endometrial
epithelial cells during the estrous cycle in the dog