Prostaglandin F2α promotes embryo implantation and development in the pig.

What is it about?

The study indicates a novel role for PGF2α in porcine embryo. Acting on its receptor (PTGFR), that is up-regulted in the time corresponding to the window of implantation, PGF2α alters expression of genes that are potentially involved in implantation processes such as: cell proliferation and focal adhesion, ECM binding, cell migration, cytoskeleton organization, immune interactions, ion homeostasis, metabolism, activation of TGFB and FGF signaling pathways, response to hypoxia. Using in vitro models we demonstrated that PGF2α through activation of intracellular pathways (MAPK1/3, FAK) stimulates porcine trophoblast cells proliferation and adhesion to extracellular matrix protein. To conclude, the present report indicates a novel role for PGF2α in the porcine conceptus as a paracrine and autocrine factor supporting pregnancy establishment.

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Why is it important?

Key factors involved in the control of reproductive processes in mammals are prostaglandins (PGs). PGF2α has been mainly perceived as a luteolytic factor in sheep, cattle and pigs, as well as in rats, rabbit and hamsters. Thus, it could also have a detrimental effect in pregnancy development in mammals. However, it should not be regarded as undesirable factor in pregnancy because elevated amounts of PGF2α in the uterine lumen and/or its increased endometrial synthesis occur in several mammals including pigs. present study indicates a new role for PGF2α secreted both by the conceptuses and endometrium during the implantation period in pigs. Results from global gene expression profiling indicate that PGF2α acting in an auto- and/or paracrine manner is involved in processes important for conceptus development and attachment to the uterine epithelium.