Expression pattern of integrins and their ligands in mouse feto-maternal tissues during pregnancy

The role of integrins, the cell-surface glycoproteins involved in various cellular functions, is well documented. However, information about their role and expression profile during pregnancy is still scant. In the present study, the expression of the integrin subunits β3, α6 and α5, along with their ligands vitronectin, osteopontin, laminin and fibronectin, was investigated in mouse uterus during different stages of pregnancy, namely 6.5, 8.5 and 13.5 days post coitus (d.p.c.) by immunohistochemical localisation. Integrins β3, α6 and α5 and the extracellular matrix molecules vitronectin and osteopontin exhibited dynamic spatiotemporal changes in their expression pattern in gestational endometrium, whereas fibronectin and laminin demonstrated more-or-less ubiquitous expression. The inter-implantation sites showed localisation of most of these molecules predominantly in the luminal epithelium, whereas their expression was negligible in the stroma. The present study explores the possible role and relevance of the spatiotemporal expression of integrins and their ligands in endometrial/decidual function and the maintenance of pregnancy.