Transcription and translation of Dickkopf-1 in endometrium of pregnant mice during the peri-implantation period

J Huazhong Univ Sci Technolog Med Sci. 2004;24(6):625-7, 638. doi: 10.1007/BF02911375.

Abstract

To study the expression of Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) in endometrium of pregnant mice during the peri-implantation period and the role of DKK-1 during the embryo implantation in mice. Immunohistochemical technique was employed to determine the location of DKK-1 protein in endometrium, and semiquantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was utilized to determine the levels of DKK-1 mRNA. Our results showed that the expressions of DKK1 mRNA and protein were higher in experimental groups than in control group (P<0.01) and it increased significantly on day 3 and reached its peak on day 4, and then decreased gradually on day 5-7. The levels of DKK-1 mRNA and protein on day 4 was significantly higher than those of other groups (P<0.01). It is concluded that DKK-1 probably plays an important role in signal transudation of embryo implantation and its high expression indicates the opening of implantation window.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Embryo Implantation / genetics*
  • Endometrium / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Pregnancy
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic*

Substances

  • Dkk1 protein, mouse
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger