ATF4基因在小鼠胚胎围着床期子宫内膜的表达

Expression of ATF4 gene in mouse endometrium during peri-implantation process of embryos

目的探讨转录激活因子4(ATF4)在小鼠胚胎围着床期子宫内膜中的表达规律及在胚胎植入过程中的作用。方法妊娠0～7 d小鼠子宫内膜,用RT-PCR、免疫组织化学法和Western blot分别检测小鼠内膜ATF4 mRNA及蛋白的表达;用子宫角内注射ATF4抗体进行干预。结果 1)妊娠各组小鼠子宫内膜ATF4 mRNA的表达量均显著高于未孕组d0(P<0.05),且随妊娠天数的增加其表达量逐渐增高,到d4达到峰值,之后逐渐下降;2)ATF4蛋白主要在基质细胞胞质表达,其表达规律与mRNA表达规律基本一致。3)子宫角ATF4抗体注射后与对照组相比着床数明显减少。结论 ATF4在小鼠妊娠早期可能参与子宫内膜蜕膜化过程,有利于着床。

Objective To investigate the expression of activating transcription factor4（ATF4） gene in mouse endometrium during peri-implantation process of embryos,and the role in the embryonic implantation.Methods Endometrium samples were collected from Day 0 to Day 7 in early pregnant mice,and the express level of ATF4 mRNA on it was determined by RT-PCR and the expression level of ATF4 protein as determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.Polyclonal antibody of ATF4 was injected into the uterus of the early pregnant mice to observe the changes of the embryos.Results 1The expression of ATF4 on the endometrium of pregnant mice was stronger than that of nonpregnant mice（P0.05）,and the tendency was gradually augmented as days went.It reached the highest level at pregnant d 4 and declined gradually thereafter.2）The clearest expression of ATF4 protein was primarily limited to the subluminal stromal cytoplasm in the endometrium of mouse.Expressional mode of ATF4 protein was similar with that of the mRNA.3）ATF4 antibody resulted in a significant decrease of embryo implantation as compared with the control group.Conclusions ATF4 gene may be involved in the decidualization,and promote the embryo implantation.