Distribution of Vitamin A, Retinol-Binding Protein, Cellular Retinoic Acid-Binding Protein I, and Retinoid X Receptor β in the Porcine Uterus During Early Gestation1

作者：Florian J. Schweigert�, Katharina Bonitz, Christiane Siegling, Ingeborg Buchholz · 发表于：Biology of Reproduction · 年份：1999 · DOI：10.1095/biolreprod61.4.906 · 被引用次数：23 · 研究领域：Retinoids in leukemia and cellular processes、Reproductive System and Pregnancy、Estrogen and related hormone effects

Retinol and retinol-binding protein (RBP), among the major secretory products of the uterine endometrium in the uterine fluid of pigs, are assumed to be of importance for early embryonic development. While uterine RBP has been widely characterized, little information is available on the metabolism of vitamin A itself or other specific binding proteins or nuclear receptors in the uterus of pigs. In the present study, the content and distribution of vitamin A in uterine tissue of pigs during early gestation (Days 14-30) were examined macroscopically and microscopically via autofluorescence and HPLC. In addition, the distribution of specific proteins involved in vitamin A metabolism at the cellular and nuclear level was investigated. Macroscopically, the yellowish-greenish autofluorescence characteristic of vitamin A was observed in uterine endometrium. Microscopy showed that the autofluorescence was associated with glandular and surface epithelium of the endometrium. In these structures, immunoreactive RBP was localized, as was cellular retinoic acid-binding protein I. Retinoid X receptor beta was observed in the nucleus of myometrium and endometrium. The intensity of fluorescence decreased with the progress of gestation. This decrease was paralleled by a decrease in vitamin A content of endometrium and myometrium. In general, vitamin A concentration in the endometrium was higher than in the myometrium (P < 0.01). In the myometrium, if present at all, vitamin A was found almost...