Localization of Connective Tissue Growth Factor during the Period of Embryo Implantation in the Mouse1

Abstract

A role for connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in reproductive function has been suggested from recent studies in the pig. To extend these findings, we have analyzed the immunohistochemical localization of CTGF during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy in mice. During the diestrous and early proestrous stages, CTGF was localized at high levels to both luminal and glandular uterine epithelial cells and at much lower levels in the stroma or myometrium. Epithelial expression of CTGF was considerably reduced at estrus. On Days 1.5-3.5 of pregnancy, CTGF was localized mainly to the uterine epithelial cells, which showed a substantially reduced level of CTGF on Day 4.5. On Days 5.5 and 6.5, CTGF was present at high levels in uterine decidual cells. CTGF was detected in the trophectoderm and inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo on Day 4.5 and became preferentially localized to embryonic endoderm and mesoderm on Days 5.5-6.5. Multiple mass forms of CTGF (Mr 14 000-38 000) were present in endometrial extracts and uterine luminal flushings. Collectively, these data support a role for CTGF in uterine cell growth, migration, adhesion, and extracellular matrix production during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy, as well as in early development of the embryo.

Connective Tissue Metabolism and Gingival Overgrowth

“…There is no evidence for a specific unique dedicated CTGF signaling receptor in fibroblasts, and as noted, there is evidence for CTGF/integrin interaction with functional consequences (Babic et al, 1999;Blom et al, 2002;Crean et al, 2002). It is interesting that immunohistochemistry/immunocytochemistry studies suggest the presence of CTGF both in the extracellular matrix and within cells (Steffen et al, 1998;Surveyor et al, 1998;Hong et al, 1999;Surveyor and Brigstock, 1999;Kubota et al, 2000;Uzel et al, 2001). Thus, intracellular CTGF could potentially have function.…”

Laser‐induced thermotherapy (LITT) elevates mRNA expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) associated with reduced tumor growth of liver metastases compared to hepatic resection

“…Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a cysteine-rich matricellular protein that regulates cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, survival, and differentiation [12]. CTGF was originally identified as a growth factor secreted by vascular endothelial cells [13]. It was selectively induced in fibroblasts after activation with TGFb [14].…”

The Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein/α2-Macroglobulin Receptor Is a Receptor for Connective Tissue Growth Factor

“…The isolation of CTGF from uterine fluid and localization in embryonic and placental tissues suggests a role for CTGF in embryo implantation (13,14).…”