Survey of nuclear progesterone receptor expression in the uterus of the cyclic and pregnant camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Abstract

Progesterone receptors (PR) are necessary to mediate the biological effects of progesterone and are integral to the regulation of a number of different aspects of reproduction in mammals including ovulation of the oocyte, implantation of the conceptus and maintenance of pregnancy. This study investigated the expression and localization of progesterone receptors in the uterine wall of both pregnant and cyclic (nonpregnant) camels. Uterine tissue samples were collected from healthy animals and processed for routine histological and immunohistochemical staining techniques to reveal nuclear PR. Demonstration of PR was performed by indirect immunohistochemical techniques using monoclonal antibodies raised against human PR. Immunolocalization of PR was more intense in all four endometrial zones (I-IV) as well as the myometrium of non pregnant (cyclic) animals (animals with newly formed corpus luteum). In contrast, PR immunostaining in both the endometrium and the myometrium was greatly reduced in pregnancy, particularly in the latest stage examined (approximately 366 days of gestation). In conclusion, a better understanding of the expression of steroid hormones and their receptors, including progesterone and the PR is critical to improving the reproductive health and pregnancy in the domesticated dromedary camel.

Genital abnormalities associated to lack of uterine adenogenesis or endometrial gland dysgenesis of female dromedary camels (<i>Camelus dromedarius</i>)

“…Chromosomal aberrations, gene mutation or epigenetic strategies, both hormonal disturbances, and improper distribution of hormone receptors can result in http: //www.openveterinaryjournal.com D. E. Gherissi et al Open Veterinary Journal, (2020), Vol. 10(1): 44-52 incomplete adenogenesis or total UGKO (Chethan et al, 2017;Cooke et al, 2013;Emam, 2014;Gray et al, 2001a;Osman et al, 2018;Spencer et al, 2019). The uterus unicornis had been described in different farm animal species.…”