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Detection of the Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP ‐2 and MMP ‐9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases TIMP ‐1 and TIMP ‐2 in Llama ( Lama glama ) Oviduct
Author(s) -
Zampini R,
Argañaraz ME,
Miceli DC,
Apichela SA
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/rda.12317
Subject(s) - oviduct , matrix metalloproteinase , biology , andrology , polyspermy , zona pellucida , microbiology and biotechnology , oocyte , endocrinology , embryo , biochemistry , medicine
Contents Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte–spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP‐2 and pro‐MMP‐9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNA s were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero‐tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events.