Authors

Xuan Liang, M.S., Xiu-Hong Zhang, Ph.D., Bing-Chen Han, Ph.D., Wei Lei, Ph.D., Qian-Rong Qi, M.S., Tong-Song Wang, M.S., Xiao-Wei Gua, Zeng-Ming Yang, Ph.D.

Volume 100, Issue 5, Pages 1410-1418, November 2013

Abstract

Objective:

To determine Claudin-3 expression and its regulatory factors during embryo implantation.

Design:

Experimental mouse models and cell culture.

Setting:

University research laboratory.

Animal(s):

Sexually mature female CD-1 strain mice.

Intervention(s):

Ovariectomy and treatments.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for detecting Claudin-3 messenger RNA and protein expression in mouse uterus, respectively; Western blot for detecting protein levels; immunofluorescence for detecting Claudin-3 protein in cultured cells.

Result(s):

Claudin-3 is strongly expressed in the uterine luminal epithelium on days 3 and 4 of pregnancy, and diminished at day 5 implantation sites. Then it is expressed at secondary decidual zone on day 8. Pseudopregnant uteri have a similar expression pattern as pregnant uteri from days 1–5. Claudin-3 expression is down-regulated after delayed implantation is activated by estrogen (E) treatment. Meanwhile Claudin-3 expression is stimulated by artificial decidualization. In ovariectomized mice, P induces Claudin-3 expression in the luminal epithelium, which is abrogated by P receptor antagonist RU486. Heparin-binding–epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) down-regulates Claudin-3 expression, but enhances transcription factor Snail expression. In human endometrial epithelial ECC-1 cells, both E and P could stimulate Claudin-3 expression, whereas HB-EGF decreases Claudin-3 and increases Snail expression.

Conclusion(s):

Claudin-3 expression in uterine luminal epithelium is stimulated by P and suppressed by HB-EGF in mice and humans.

Read the full text at: http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(13)00748-6/fulltext