Regulation of uterine and conceptus secretory activity in the pig
Simmen, R.C.; Simmen, F.A.
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement 40: 279-292
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0449-3087 PMID: 2192044 Document Number: 365269
The current knowledge on the identity, physiological regulation and potential functions of pig maternal and conceptus secretory proteins during pregnancy are reviewed. Evidence is presented for the involvement of a number of specific uterine- and conceptus-derived proteins in endometrial differentiation and conceptus or fetal development. These secretory proteins include mitogens (insulin-like growth factor-I and -II, epidermal growth factor, uterine laminal fluid mitogen), binding and transport proteins (uteroferrin, insulin-like growth factor and retinol binding proteins), and trophoblastic specific proteins. The temporal regulation of messenger RNA production of a number of these proteins is also described. It is suggested that, in addition to circulating and locally produced steroid hormones, other, as yet undefined, factors may be involved in the regulation of the synthetic abilities of the uterus and conceptus during pregnancy.