Abstract
Implantation process entails embryo-maternal crosstalk, which is mediated by a variety of molecules such as cytokines, hormones, growth factors, adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinases produced by the endometrium and the blastocyst. Thus, it is important to investigate the uterine/endometrial functions to uncover the mechanism of implantation. However, there is no suitable in vitro model to investigate the endometrial function, but the recent discovery of three-dimensional cell cultures, multicellular spheroids and tissue explants composed of endometrial cells derived from bovine endometrium open up the new dimension to study the implantation in an in vitro model. Considering the above mentioned standpoints, the present study was aimed to develop an in vitro implantation model using rat uterine explants, which may provide a tool for clarifying the complex implantation process. Rat uterine explants were isolated from 1.5 days post coitus and cultured for at least 6 days. Then the cultured rat uterine explants were characterized using specific antibodies through an indirect immunofluorescence staining. Additionally, the cultured uterine explants respond to steroid hormones (estrogen and progesterone) were also investigated emphasizing on regulation of MUC 1, PR, IGFBP1 and AREG. Furthermore, the remodeling ability of the uterine explants in terms of in vitro decidualization was also monitored after induced by db-cAMP and MPA. The study revealed that the cultured uterine explants exhibited comparable characters of the in vivo uterine conditions, which suppose to mimic the morphology and physiology of the uterus and can be utilize to study implantation as an in vitro model system.
