Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Uterine Environment in Early Pregnancy

  • Chapter
Embryonic Mortality in Farm Animals

Part of the book series: Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science ((CTVM,volume 34))

Abstract

Mammalian species have developed an extraordinary biochemical and endocrinological diversity to ensure reproduction. But in all species synchrony between maternal and embryonic development is obligatory to establish pregnancy. The composition of the uterine environment during the preimplantation period which represents an essential part of this synchrony will be reviewed.

The over-all quality of the uterine environment — the maternal “soil” —is predominantly a permissive one. It determines reproductive performance of the female but has no inductive function on the genetically autonomous conceptus (quality of the “seed”).

Analogous to embryonic development uterine secretions change quantitatively and qualitatively during early pregnancy. Among uterine secretory components, the proteins have been investigated most extensively and in many species. Most are of blood serum origin. But uterine proteins synthesized de novo by the endometrium also contribute — in some species to a considerable amount — to uterine luminal fluid during the preimplantational period. Typical protein pattern changes have been demonstrated as well as variations in enzyme activities. In some species pregnancy specific proteins have been identified representing embryonic-maternal interaction in early pregnancy. Uterine secretory activity is controlled by maternal hormones. In the rabbit, it has been shown that hormones dispose a complete inherent endometrial secretory programme.

Synchrony is defined by the hormonally controlled composition of the uterine luminal fluid in total (and not by single components) and by the cyclic changes occuring during the preimplantation period. An inadequate uterine milieu provokes embryonic mortality which is of importance in humans as well as in farm animals.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Adams, C.E. (1958) Egg development in the rabbit: the influence of post-coital ligation of the uterine tube and of ovariectomy. J.Endocrin. 16 283–293

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Adams, C.E. (1974) Asynchronous egg transfer in the rabbit.J.Reprod.Fert. 35 613–614

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, R.J. (1974) Delayed implantation in roe deer (Capreo- lus capreolus). J.Reprod.Fert. 39, 225–233

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, R.J. (1977) Changes in the protein content of mouse uterine flushings during normal pregnancy and delayed implantation and following ovariectomy and oestradiol administration.J. Reprod. Fert. 5029–36

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Aitken, R.J. (1982) The control of blastocyst activity. In “Proteins and steroids in early pregnancy” (Ed. H.M. Beier, P. Karlson) (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York ) pp. 233–243

    Google Scholar 

  • Atger, M., Mornon, J.P., Savouret, J.F., Loosfelt, H., Fridlansky, F., Milgrom, F.C. (1980) Uteroglobin: a model for the study of the mechanism of action of steroid hormones. In “Steroid induced uterine proteins” (Ed. M. Beato) (Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, New York, Oxford ) pp. 341–350

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayalon, N. (1978) A review of embryonic mortality in cattle. J.Reprod.Fert. 54 483–493

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bazer, F.W., Roberts, R.M. (1983) Biochemical aspects of con- ceptus-endometrial interactions. J. exp. Zool.228 373–383

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beato, M., Rungger, D. (1975) Translation of the messenger RNA for rabbit uteroglobin in Xenopus oocytes. FEBS Lett. 59 305–309

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. (1973) Die hormonelle Steuerung der Uterussekre- tion und fruhen Embryonalentwicklung des Kaninchens. Habilitationsschrift, Medical Faculty, Kiel

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. (1974) Oviducal and uterine fluids J.Reprod.Fert. 37 221–237

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. (1978) Physiology of uteroglobin. In “Novel aspects of reproductive physiology” (Ed. C.H. Spilman J.W. Wilks) (Spectrum Publ.Inc., New York,London) pp. 220-248

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. (1979) Die Entwicklung der Blastozyste: Differen- zierung von Embryoblast und Trophoblast. Verh. Anat. Ges. 73, 353–378

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. (1979) Die Entwicklung der Blastozyste: Differen- zierung von Embryoblast und Trophoblast. Verh. Anat. Ges. 73, 353–378

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M. Maurer, R.R. (1975) Uteroglobin and other proteins in rabbit blastocyst fluid after development in vivo and in vitro. Cell Tiss.Res. 159, 1–10

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M., Mootz, U., Fischer, B.,Strobele-Muller, R. (1983) Growth and differentiation of rabbit blastocysts in defined culture media. In “Fertilization of the human egg in vitro” (Ed. H.M. Beier H.R. Lindner) (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, Tokyo) pp. 371-386

    Google Scholar 

  • Beier, H.M., Mootz, U. Kiihnel, W. (1972) Asynchrone Eitrans- plantationen wahrend der verzogerten Uterussekretion beim Kaninchen.Proc. VII.Int. Congr.Anim. Reprod. Art. Insem., Miinchen, Vol. 3, pp1891–1896

    Google Scholar 

  • Boue, J., Boue, A. Lazar, P. (1975) The epidemiology of human spontaneous abortions with chromosomal anomalies. In “Aging gametes” Int.Symp.Seattle 1973 ( Karger, Basel ) pp. 330–348

    Google Scholar 

  • Bullock, D.W., Woo, S.L.C., O’Malley, B.W. (1976) Uteroglobin messenger RNA. Translation in vitro. Biol.Reprod. 15, 435–443

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, M.C. (1950) Development and fate of transferred rabbit ova or blastocysts in relation to ovulation time of recipients.J. exp. Zool. 114, 197–216

    Google Scholar 

  • Cook, B., Hunter, R.H.F. (1978) Systemic and local hormonal requirements for implantation in domestic animals. J.Reprod.Fert. 56, 471–482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Daniel, J.C.,Jr. (1971) Growth of the preimplantation embryo of the northern fur seal and its correlation with changes in uterine proteins. Devi.Biol. 26, 316–331

    Google Scholar 

  • Delbos, R., Fischer, B.,Beier, H.M. (1981) Influence of superovulation on uterine secretion protein patterns in pseudopregnant rabbits.Proc. III. World Congr. Human Reprod., Berlin, p. 229

    Google Scholar 

  • Denker, H.-W. (1977) Implantation: The role of proteinases, and blockage of implantation by proteinase inhibitors. (Advances in anatomy, embryology and cell biology, Vol. 53/5) (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York )

    Google Scholar 

  • Denker, H.-W. (1982) Proteases of the blastocyst and of the uterus. In “Proteins and steroids in early pregnancy”(Ed. H.M. Beier, P. Karlson) (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York ) pp. 183–208

    Google Scholar 

  • Dixon, S.N. Gibbons, R.A. (1979) Proteins in the uterine secretions of the cow. J.Reprod.Fert. 55, 119–127

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Banna, A.A.,Daniel J.C.,Jr. (1972a) Stimulation of rabbit blastocysts in vitro by progesterone and uterine proteins in combination. Fert. Steril. Z3, 101–104

    Google Scholar 

  • El-Banna, A.A., Daniel, J.C.,Jr. (1972b) The effect of protein fractions from rabbit uterine fluids on embryo growth and uptake of nucleic acid and protein precursors. Fert.Steril. 23, 105–114

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Enders, R.K., Enders, A.C. (1963) Morphology of the female reproductive tract during delayed implantation in the mink. In “Delayed implantation” (Ed. A.C. Enders) ( University of Chicago Press, Chicago ) pp. 129–139

    Google Scholar 

  • Fazleabas, A.T., Bazer, F.W., Roberts, R.M. (1982) Purification and properties of a progesterone-induced plasmin/tryp- sin inhibitor from uterine secretion of pigs and its immu- nocytochemical localization in the pregnant uterus. J. biol. Chem. 257, 6886–6897

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, B., Denker, H.W. Beier, H.M. (1982) Incomplete transformation of rabbit embryo coverings in vitro. Proc.Ann.Conf.Soc.Study Fertility, Sutton Bonnington, 58, abstr. 93

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, B., Denker, H.-W., Beier, H.M.,Gerdes, H.J. (1983) Der Umbau der extrazellularen Blastozystenhullen als ein empfindlicher Indikator fur unphysiologische Milieubedin- gungen in der In-vitro-Kultur. Verh.Anat.Ges. 77, 427–429

    Google Scholar 

  • Fischer, B., Mootz, U. Beier, H.M. (1981) Morphology of rabbit embryos recovered from ligated oviducts. Proc. III. World Congr.Human Reprod., Berlin, p. 217

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fishel, S.B. (1980) Radiolabelled uterine proteins during early pregnancy and pseudopregnancy in mice after unilateral ovariectomy and superovulation. J.Reprod.Fert. 59, 473–478

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, J.F. (1983) Implantation failure after embryo transfer in in vitro fertilization. Infertility 6, 187–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Godkin, J.D., Bazer, F.W. Roberts, R.M. (1984) Ovine trophoblast protein 1, an early secreted blastocyst protein, binds specifically to uterine endometrium and affects protein synthesis. Endocrinology 114 120–130

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, J. (1982) Synchronization of estrus and superovulation in cattle. In “Mammalian egg transfer”(Ed. C.E. Adams) (CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton) pp. 63–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Heap, R.B. (1980) Implantation. In “Steroid induced uterine proteins”(Ed. M. Beato) (Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, New York, Oxford ) pp. 35–46

    Google Scholar 

  • Heap, R.B., Flint, A.P.F., Gadsby, J.E., Rice, C. (1979) Hormones, the early embryo and the uterine environment. J.Reprod.Fert. 55, 267–275

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Heap, R.B., Gadsby, J.E., Rice, C.,Perry, J.S. (1982) The synthesis of steroids and proteins in the pig blastocyst. In “Proteins and steroids in early pregnancy” (Ed. H.M. Beier,P. Karlson) (Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg, New York ) pp. 157–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, D.R.S. (1962) The influence of the uterine environment on the development of mouse eggs. J. Embryo 1. exp. Morph. 10, 4 96–506

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirby, D.R.S. (1969) The extra-uterine mouse egg as an experimental model. Adv.Biosci. 255–273

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirchner, C., Hirschhauser, C., Kionke, M. (1971) Protease activity in rabbit uterine secretion 24 hours before im-plantation.J.Reprod.Fert. 27, 259–260

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laster, D.B. (1977) A pregnancy-specific protein in the bovine uterus. Biol.Reprod. 16, 682–690

    Google Scholar 

  • Lauritsen, J.G. (1982) The cytogenetics of spontaneous abortior Res.Reprod. 14, 3–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Leeton, J., Trounson, A., Wood, C.,Gianaroli, L. (1983) In vitro fertilization and embryo-transfer: the Monash grouj experiences 1981-83. Acta Eur.Fert. 14, 95–100

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Martin, L. (1984) On the source of uterine luminal fluid proteins in the mouse. J. Reprod. Fert. 71 73–80

    Google Scholar 

  • Maurer, R.R.,Beier, M.M. (1976) Uterine proteins and development in vitro of rabbit preimplantation embryos. J.Reprod.Fert. 48, 33–41

    Google Scholar 

  • Milligan, S.R. Martin, L. (1984) The resistance of the mouse uterine lumen to flushing and possible contamination of samples by plasma and interstitial fluid. J.Reprod.Fert. M, 81–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Moore, N.W. (1982) Egg transfer in the sheep and goat. In “Mammalian egg transfer” (Ed. C.E. Adams) (CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton) pp.119-133 Mulholland, J. Villee, C.A.,Jr. (1984) Proteins synthesized by the rat endometrium during early pregnancy. J.Reprod.Fert. 72., 395–400

    Google Scholar 

  • Mulholland, J.Villee, C.A.,Jr. (1984) Proteins synthesized by the rat endometrium during early pregnancy. J.Reprod.Fert. 72., 395–400

    Google Scholar 

  • Murdoch, B.E.,O’Shea, T. (1977) B-Glucuronidase in the reproductive tract of the ewe during early pregnancy. Theriogenology 8, 140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Murdoch, B.E. O’Shea, T. (1978) Activity of enzymes in the mucosal tissues and rinsings of the reproductive tract of the naturally cyclic ewe. Aust. J. biol. Sci. JH, 345–354

    Google Scholar 

  • Murdoch, R.N. (1970) Uterine endometrial phosphomonoesterases in relation to implantation in the ewe and rabbit doe Aust. J. biol. Sci. 23,1089–1097

    Google Scholar 

  • Murdoch, R.N., Kay, D.J.,Cross, M. (1978) Activity and subcellular distribution of mouse uterine alkaline phosphatase during pregnancy and pseudopregnancy. J.Reprod.Fert. 54, 293–300

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Murdoch, R.N.,White, I.G. (1968) Activities of enzymes in the endometrium, caruncles and uterine rinsings of pro- gesteron-treated and naturally cycling ewes. Aust. J. biol. Sci. 21, 123

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, F.A.,Jr., Bazer, F.W., Rundell, J.W., Vincent, C.K., Wallace, H.D.,Warnick, A.C. (1971) Developmental failure of swine embryos restricted to the oviducal environment. J.Reprod.Fert. 24, 445–448

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peplow, P.V. (1982) Analysis of endopeptidase and arylamidase enzymes in uterine fluid of oestrogen-treated rats. J.Reprod.Fert. 66, 649–654

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ponstingl, H., Nieto, A., Beato, M. (1978) Amino acid sequence of progesterone-induced rabbit uteroglobin. Biochemistry 7, 3908–3912

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pratt, H.P.M. (1977) Uterine proteins and the activation of embryos from mice during delayed implantation. J.Reprod.Fert. 50, 1–8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, G.P.,Parker, J.M. (1974a) Macromolecular components of the luminal fluid from the bovine uterus. J.Reprod.Fert. 40, 291–303

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, G.P.,Parker, J.M. (1974b) An investigation of enzymes and hormone-binding proteins in the luminal fluid of the bovine uterus. J.Reprod.Fert. 40, 305–313

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, G.P., Parker, J.M.,Symonds, H.W. (1976) Macromole- cular components of genital tract fluids from the sheep. J.Reprod.Fert. 48, 99–107

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, R.M.,Bazer, F.W. (1980) The properties, function and hormonal control of synthesis of uteroferrin, the purple protein of the pig uterus. In “Steroid induced uterine proteins”(Ed. M. Beato) (Elsevier/North-Holland Biomedical Press, Amsterdam, New York, Oxford ) pp. 35–4 6

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowson, L.E.A. (1971) The role of reproductive research in animal production. J.Reprod.Fert. 26, 113–126

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rowson, L.E.A.,Moor, R.M. (1966) Embryo transfer in the sheep: the significance of synchronising oestrus in the donor and recipient animal. J.Reprod.Fert. V, 207–212

    Google Scholar 

  • Rowson, L.E.A., Moor, R.M. Lawson, R.A.S. (1969) Fertility following egg transfer in the cow: effect of method, medium, and synchronization of oestrus. J.Reprod.Fert. 18, 517–523

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Squire, G.D., Bazer, F.W. Murray, F.A.,Jr. (1972) Electro- phoretic patterns of porcine uterine protein secretions during the estrous cycleBiol.Reprod. 321–325

    Google Scholar 

  • Strobele-Miiller, R. (1984) Die Blastocysten-Entwicklung in der in-vitro-Kultur unter dem EinfluB von fotalen Kalberserum- pro teinen.MD-Thesis, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen Strzemienski, P.J., Do, D.,Kenney, R.M. (1984) Antibacterial activity of mare uterine fluid. Biol.Reprod. 3 303–31 1

    Google Scholar 

  • Aachen Strzemienski, P.J., Do, D.,Kenney, R.M. (1984) Antibacterial activity of mare uterine fluid. Biol.Reprod. 3J. 303–31

    Google Scholar 

  • Surani, M.A.H. (1976) Uterine luminal proteins at the time of implantation in rats. J.Reprod.Fert. 4, 141–145

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Surani, M.A.H. (1977) Cellular and molecular approaches to blastocyst uterine interactions at implantation. In “Development in mammals”(Ed. M.H. Johnson) (North- Holland Publish.Comp., Amsterdam, New York, Oxford) Vol. 1, pp. 245–305

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavy, M.T., Clark, W.R., Sharp, D.C., Roberts, R.M.,Bazer, F.W. (1982a) Comparison of glucose, fructose, ascorbic acid and glucosephosphate isomerase enzymatic activity in uterine flushings from nonpregnant and pregnant gilts and pony mares.Biol.Reprod. 21, 1147–1158

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavy, M.T., Roberts, R.M. Bazer, F.W. (1984) Acid phosphatase and leucine aminopeptidase activity in the uterine flushings of non-pregnant and pregnant gilts. J.Reprod.Fert. 12, 503–507

    Google Scholar 

  • Zavy, M.T., Sharp, D.C., Bazer, F.W., Fazleabas, A., Sessions, F.,Roberts, R.M. (1982b) Identification of stage-specific and hormonally induced polypeptides in the uterine protein secretions of the mare during the oestrus cycle and pregnancy.J.Reprod.Fert. 4199–207

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Abteilung Anatomie und Reproduktionsbiologie, Medizinisch-Theoretische Institute Medizinische Fakultät RWTH Aachen, Achen, D-5100, Melatener Straýe 211, Germany

    B. Fischer & H. M. Beier

Authors
  1. B. Fischer
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. H. M. Beier
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Western Research Centre, The Agricultural Institute, Belclare, Tuan, Eire

    J. M. Sreenan  & M. G. Diskin  & 

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1986 ECSC, EEC, EAEC, Brussels-Luxembourg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Fischer, B., Beier, H.M. (1986). Uterine Environment in Early Pregnancy. In: Sreenan, J.M., Diskin, M.G. (eds) Embryonic Mortality in Farm Animals. Current Topics in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, vol 34. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5038-2_6

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-5038-2_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht

  • Print ISBN: 978-94-010-8732-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-94-009-5038-2

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation