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Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 1/2010

Open Access 01-12-2010 | Research

Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component proteins in the reproductive system of the rat during gestation

Authors: Lei Li, Fai Tang, Wai-Sum O

Published in: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology | Issue 1/2010

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Abstract

Background

Adrenomedullin (ADM), a novel vasorelaxant peptide, was found in human/rat ovaries and uteri. Plasma ADM level increases in pregnant women and pregnant rats.

Methods

The gene expression levels of Adm and its receptor components - Crlr, Ramp1, Ramp2 and Ramp3, the ADM peptide concentration and localization in the rat female reproductive system during gestation were studied by real-time RT-PCR, EIA and immunohistochemical techniques.

Results

The mRNAs of Adm and its receptor component and ADM were differentially distributed between implantation sites and inter-implantation sites of the pregnant uterus. The day on which vaginal sperm were found was taken to be pregnancy day 1. The Adm mRNA levels in the implantation sites of the uteri in mid- (day 12) and late pregnancy (day 17) were more than 10-fold higher than those in nonpregnancy, pre-implantation (day 3) or early (day 7) pregnancy. ADM was localized in the endometrial stroma with increased immunoreactivity from nonpregnancy to pregnancy. The ADM level and the mRNA levels of Adm, Crlr, Ramp2 and Ramp3 in the corpus luteum all increased in late pregnancy compared with early pregnancy. The gene expression of Adm and it receptor components and intense immunostaining of ADM were also found in the oviduct during pregnancy.

Conclusions

The gene expressions levels of Adm and its receptor components - Crlr, Ramp1, Ramp2 and Ramp3, and ADM peptide concentration exhibited a spatio-temporal pattern in the rat female reproductive system during gestation and this suggests that ADM may play important roles in gestation.
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Metadata
Title
Coexpression of adrenomedullin and its receptor component proteins in the reproductive system of the rat during gestation
Authors
Lei Li
Fai Tang
Wai-Sum O
Publication date
01-12-2010
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology / Issue 1/2010
Electronic ISSN: 1477-7827
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-8-130

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