The corpus luteum (CL) offers the opportunity to study high proliferative processes during its development and degradation processes during its regression. We examined the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-1, MMP-2, MMP-9,

Changes in the wall of seminiferous tubules in men with impaired spermatogenesis imply sterile inflammation of the testis. We tested the hypothesis that the cells forming the wall of seminiferous tubules, human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs), orchestrate inflammatory events and that Toll like receptors (TLRs) and danger signals from the extracellular matrix (ECM) of this wall are involved. In cultured HTPCs we detected TLRs, including TLR2. A TLR-2 ligand (PAM) augmented interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in HTPCs. The ECM-derived proteoglycan biglycan (BGN) is secreted by HTPCs and may be a TLR2-ligand at HTPCs. In support, recombinant human BGN increased PTX3, MCP-1 and IL-6 in HTPCs. Variable endogenous BGN levels in HTPCs derived from different men and differences in BGN levels in the tubular wall in infertile men were observed. In testes of a systemic mouse model for male infertility, testicular sterile inflammation and elevated estradiol (E2) levels, BGN was also elevated. Hence we studied the role of E2 in HTPCs and observed that E2 elevated the levels of BGN. The anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 blocked this action. We conclude that TLR2 and BGN contribute to sterile inflammation and infertility in man.

Abstract. The oviduct and uterus provide the environment for the establishment of pregnancy. Among others, growth factor systems are involved in functional signaling interactions at the pre-and peri-implantation maternal-conceptus interface in pigs. Distinct regulation of epidermal growth factor Receptor (EGF-R), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R) and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) systems and of bioactivation of EGF-R in porcine oviduct and endometrium during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and during steroid replacement in ovariectomized gilts is summarized. Remarkable influences of ovarian steroids and EGF on the expression of specific markers of transcription and translation in these tissues are discussed. Known biological effects of the EGF, VEGF and FGF are related to cellular differentiation and angiogenesis. This suggests their involvement in the transformation of the endometrium into a decidua subsequently leading towards successful establishment of pregnancy. Peripheral steroids may exert their effects on epithelial cells both in a direct genomic manner or through mediators such as growth factors. The aim of our study was to draw specific attention to the paracrine regulation in the porcine endometrium especially during the implantation window. Key words: Endometrium, Epidermal growth factor receptor, Fibroblast growth factor receptor, Implantation, Oviduct, Pig, Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (J. Reprod. Dev. 50: [269][270][271][272][273][274][275][276][277][278] 2004) he oviduct and uterus play an important role in sustaining the development of mammalian embryos. Their major function is to provide an essential or facilitative environment for the establishment of early pregnancy, including the transport of ova and spermatozoa, capacitation of spermatozoa, fertilization, and to support the early cleavage stages of embryos. The complex series of interactions between the oviduct, uterus and developing pre-implantation embryos are of main interest for the resaercher. Studies have found that the oviduct contributes bioactive factors that are essential for the development of the zygotes towards the blastocyst stage [1,2]. In the uterus, spatiotemporal synthesis and secretion of various growth factors, cytokines, lipid mediators, and transcription factors triggered by steroid hormones

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