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Bioscientifica Proceedings (2019) 4 RDRRDR25 | DOI: 10.1530/biosciprocs.4.025

REDR1998 Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants IV Embryonic Survival (4 abstracts)

Mechanism of action of interferon-tau in the uterus during early pregnancy

TR Hansen 1 , KJ Austin 1 , DJ Perry 1 , JK Pru 1 , MG Teixeira 2 & GA Johnson 1†


1Department of Animal Science and 2School of Pharmacy, Reproductive Biology Program, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA


Early pregnancy is maintained in ruminants through the actions of conceptus-derived interferon (IFN)-tau on the endometrium. IFN-tau alters uterine release of PGF, which results in rescue of the corpus luteum and continued release of progesterone. The mechanism of action of IFN-tau includes inhibition of oestradiol receptors, consequent reduction in oxytocin receptors, activation of a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, and a shift in the PGs to favour PGE2 over PGF. IFN-tau also induces several endometrial proteins that may be critical for survival of the developing embryo. One endometrial protein induced by pregnancy and IFN-tau has been identified as bovine granulocyte chemotactic protein-2 (bGCP-2). This chemotactic cytokine (chemokine) has been used as a marker to delineate IFN-tau from IFN-alpha responses in the endometrium. A second protein, called ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (UCRP), resembles a tandem ubiquitin repeat, UCRP becomes conjugated to cytosolic endometrial proteins in response to IFN-tau and pregnancy. Proteins conjugated to UCRP are either modulated or targeted for processing through the proteasome. Hie action of IFN-tau is mediated by induction of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT-1), STAT-2 and interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1) transcription factors. Induction of these transcription factors, the alpha chemokines and UCRP is the prelude to maternal recognition of pregnancy in ruminants.

© 1999 Journals of Reproduction and Fertility Ltd

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