Expression of 20[alpha] HSD in porcine ovary and placenta during early pregnancy

Abstract

The aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) superfamily are monomeric oxidoreductases that catalyze the NADP(H)‐dependent reduction of a wide variety of substrates, including seroids, prostaglandins, bile acids, carbohydrates, and xenobiotics. A group of AKRs known as hydroxydteroid dehydrogenase (HSDs) play a pivotal role in the modulation and regulation of steroid hormones, such as androgen, estrogens, and progestins, and are thus considered important targets for drug design. Thus, to gain further insights into the expression and localization of 20 HSD in the porcine ovary and placenta during early pregnancy, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expressions and immunohistochemistry. The expression of mRNA and protein was particularly strong in the ovary on day 31 of pregnancy. We also reported that 20[alpha]‐HSD was localized in the villus of trophoblast and endometrium glands during early pregnancy. Further studies are needed to determine the functional significance of porcine 20[alpha]‐HSD during pregnancy.