TY - JOUR
T1 - Nitric oxide synthase distribution during implantation in the mouse
AU - Purcell, T. L.
AU - Given, R.
AU - Chwalisz, K.
AU - Garfield, R. E.
PY - 1999
Y1 - 1999
N2 - The peri-implantation period is a critical time during murine development. Although the importance of nitric oxide has been demonstrated during gestation, its role in implantation has not been fully defined. The aim of this study was to quantify (by Western blotting) two prominent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, inducible (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS) and localize all three forms [iNOS, eNOS, and neuronal (nNOS)] by immunohistochemistry in uterine tissue from days 4 through 8 of pregnancy. By day 6, iNOS values were significantly elevated in implantation sites compared with interimplantation regions and continued to rise through day 8. Analysis of eNOS was similar, but implantation site values peaked by days 6 and 7. Labelled iNOS cells were within the decidua, around myometrial vessels, and within the ectoplacental cone. At implantation, eNOS was conspicuous, displaying label adjacent to the embryo in vessels of the primary decidual zone. nNOS was localized mainly in the mesometrium and myometrium and did not appear to change throughout the peri-implantation period. The increased iNOS and eNOS values following implantation in the embryonic site may imply roles in tissue remodelling, immunosuppression and vasoregulation. Nitric oxide may play an important role in the mechanisms of implantation where these factors are keys to successful pregnancy.
AB - The peri-implantation period is a critical time during murine development. Although the importance of nitric oxide has been demonstrated during gestation, its role in implantation has not been fully defined. The aim of this study was to quantify (by Western blotting) two prominent nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, inducible (iNOS) and endothelial (eNOS) and localize all three forms [iNOS, eNOS, and neuronal (nNOS)] by immunohistochemistry in uterine tissue from days 4 through 8 of pregnancy. By day 6, iNOS values were significantly elevated in implantation sites compared with interimplantation regions and continued to rise through day 8. Analysis of eNOS was similar, but implantation site values peaked by days 6 and 7. Labelled iNOS cells were within the decidua, around myometrial vessels, and within the ectoplacental cone. At implantation, eNOS was conspicuous, displaying label adjacent to the embryo in vessels of the primary decidual zone. nNOS was localized mainly in the mesometrium and myometrium and did not appear to change throughout the peri-implantation period. The increased iNOS and eNOS values following implantation in the embryonic site may imply roles in tissue remodelling, immunosuppression and vasoregulation. Nitric oxide may play an important role in the mechanisms of implantation where these factors are keys to successful pregnancy.
KW - Decidua
KW - Embryo
KW - Implantation
KW - Mouse
KW - Nitric oxide synthase
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U2 - 10.1093/molehr/5.5.467
DO - 10.1093/molehr/5.5.467
M3 - Article
C2 - 10338370
AN - SCOPUS:0032928934
SN - 1360-9947
VL - 5
SP - 467
EP - 475
JO - Molecular Human Reproduction
JF - Molecular Human Reproduction
IS - 5
ER -