Abstract
Synchronization of the estrus of sow using altrenogest treatment has been known to increase ovulation and strong estrus. The success of pregnancy relies on moderate cell-cell signaling environment. FGF-9 and galectin-3, multifunctional proteins, its unique functions are including embryonic development, cell growth, adhesion, migration, invasion, angiogenesis and immune function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect if estrus synchronization to altrenogest regumate, PMSG/hCG and artificial insemination (AI) on galectin-3 and FGF-9 genes and protein expression. The morpho-metrical parameters of the endometrium and the number of corpora lutea (CL) were recorded. Crossbred gilts (n = 7) received altrenogest during 18 days [20 mg Regumate (Janssen Animal Health, Beerse, Belgium)], starting 5–7 days after onset of first estrus. Control sows (n = 7) did not receive altrenogest. Endometrium samples, uterine luminal flushing, and ovaries were collected on days 4–5 after AI. The total number of CL was higher (p < 0.05) in the gilt treated with regumate/PMSG/hCG. The content of gelactin-3 and FGF-9 mRNA in pre-embryonic development stages increased on particular days, in control and studied in regumate/PMSG/hCG administered sows. Gelactin-3 and FGF-9 were affected by regumate/PMSG/hCG treatment in the both pre-embryonic development stages (P < 0.001, P < 0.05) and endometrial tissue (P < 0.001, P < 0.01). The regumate/PMSG/hCG treatment resulted in elevated expression of gelactin-3 and FGF-9 (P < 0.005) in ovary tissues in comparison to control sows. Whereas, expression characteristics of gelactin-3 and FGF-9 were investigated by hematoxylin and eosin stained and immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that galectin-3 and FGF-9 were significantly shown in the endometrium and ovary tissues of the regumate/PMSG/hCG. Presented data show that exogenous hormones administration can affect gene and protein expression in the sow reproductive tract.
