Modulation of adiponectin system expression in the porcine uterus during early pregnancy by prostaglandin E2 and F2α

Studies have demonstrated that adiponectin could be a link between reproductive functions and energy metabolism in animals. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of prostaglandin (PG) E2 and PGF2α (10, 50, 100, 250 and 500ngmL-1) on the expression and secretion of adiponectin and its receptor genes and proteins by cultured in vitro porcine endometrial and myometrial tissues on Days 10–28 of pregnancy and Days 10–11 of the oestrous cycle. The gene expression was analysed using the real-time PCR method. Adiponectin protein secretion was determined by ELISA, whereas the receptors proteins content was defined using Western Blot analysis. Both PGE2 and PGF2α modulated the expression of adiponectin system genes and proteins in the uterus during early pregnancy. PGE2 and PGF2α had similar effects on the adiponectin system, which differed between the stages of gestation and between pregnancy and the oestrous cycle. On Days 10–11 of gestation, PGE2 and PGF2α generally increased adiponectin secretion by endometrial and myometrial tissues. Both PGs decreased levels of endometrial adiponectin receptor type 1 (AdipoR1), whereas only PGF2α decreased myometrial levels of AdipoR1. Both PGs increased myometrial adiponectin receptor type 2 (AdipoR2) levels. On Days 12–13 of gestation, PGE2 decreased AdipoR1 concentrations in both tissues and AdipoR2 levels in the endometrium. PGF2α decreased myometrial concentrations of both receptors. On Days 15–16 of gestation, both PGE2 and PGF2α increased concentrations of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in the endometrium and myometrium. PGE2 stimulated the secretion of adiponectin in the endometrium, but not in the myometrium. On Days 27–28 of pregnancy, both PGE2 and PGF2α inhibited the expression of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2 in endometrial and myometrial tissues and decreased the secretion of endometrial adiponectin. Both PGE2 and PGF2α had tissue-specific and dose-dependent effects on the adiponectin system.