Transcriptomic Profile of the Bovine Endosalpinx & Endometrium to Identity Putative Embryokines

Although the oviduct and uterus regulate early embryonic development, understanding of the specific maternally-derived molecules that signal to the embryo is incomplete. Objectives of this study were to characterize expression of genes encoding for growth factors, cytokines, and other cell-signaling ligands in the endosalpinx and endometrium of the bovine female and analyze spatial changes in gene expression throughout the reproductive tract. Overall design: Five adult nulliparous Holstein heifers were synchronized using a 5-day CIDR-Synch protocol. On day 2 after ovulation, animals were slaughtered and samples were collected from the ampulla, upper uterine horn, mid uterine horn, and uterine body of both the contralateral and ipsilateral horns relative to ovulation.