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International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine
Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences of Yazd
ISSN: 1680-6433 EISSN: 1680-6433
Vol. 8, No. 4, 2010, pp. 145-152
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Bioline Code: rm10025
Full paper language: English
Document type: Research Article
Document available free of charge
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International Journal of Reproductive BioMedicine, Vol. 8, No. 4, 2010, pp. 145-152
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Co-expression of galectin-3 and αvβ3 integrin at pinopodes of human endometrium
Hossein Nikzad; Maryam Kabir-Salmani; Shigetatsu Shiokawa; Yoshiro Akimoto & Mitsutoshi Iwashita
Abstract
Background: Pinopodes are suggested as biological markers of uterine receptivity, but their molecular components are unknown.
Objective: Co-expression of galectin-3 and αvβ3 integrin at human pinopodes has been examined in this study to propose a role for them during adhesion phase of embryo implantation.
Materials and Methods: Biopsies were obtained from early and mid luteal phase endometrium of 12 fertile women with regular menstrual periods (25-35 days) and the mean age of 37 years (range 25–45). Then, they were examined under light and scanning electron microscopy for detection and dating of pinopodes. Using immunofluorescent staining and immunogold electron microscopy, the expression of galectin-3 and αvβ3 integrin in human endometrium and pinopodes was detected. Further, statistical analysis was performed using immunogold electron microscopy to investigate the expression and subcellular distribution of these, before and during the frame of implantation window.
Results: The results demonstrated that pinopodes of luminal epithelial cells exhibited immunoreactivity for both galectin-3 and αvβ3 integrin, which was increased statistically significant (p< 0.05) at the time of implantation window. Furthermore, area-related distribution of these proteins was found higher in pinopodes compared to the neighboring apical membrane without pinopode.
Conclusion: Temporal and spatial expression of galectin-3 and αvβ3 integrin at pinopodes proposes a role for pinopodes in the adhesion of embryo and the involvement of galectin-3 as a binding partner of integrins in the human utero-fetal complex.
Keywords
αvβ3 integrin, Endometrium, Galectin-3, Human, Implantation, Pinopode. Introduction
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© Copyright 2010 - Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine Alternative site location: http://www.ijrm.ir
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