큰포식세포나 혈관의 내피세포 등에서 분비되는 monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1)은 큰포식세포의 활성을 조절하고 황체의 용해시기에는 용해를 개시, 촉진시키는 작용을 하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 그러나 아직 임신 황체나 출산 후의 황체의 발달과 유지에 대한 MCP-1의 작용기전은 확실히 알려져 있지 않다. 난포발달과정에서 큰포식세포의 역할을 알아보기 위해서 흰쥐를 실험동물로 임신시기별, 출산 후 황체에서 TUNEL 염색
Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1(MCP-1) is released from the macrophages and endothelial cells, regulated luteotropic and luteolytic actions of macrophages and induced luteolysis. However, the mechanisms of MCP-1 on the development and maintenance of pregnant corpora lutea are thoroughly unknown. In this experiment, TUNEL stain, ED1, ED2, and MCP-1 immunohistochemistry on the corpora lutea of pregnant rats were carried out to reveal the role of macrophages in the developing corpora lutea. In the postpartum corpora lutea, the number of macrophages was increased significantly, and the intensity of ED1 and ED2 immunoreactivity in macrophages were increased moderately, and MCP-1 immunoreactivity was also increased. In conclusion, macrophages in the postpartum corpora lutea may exert phagocytic action mainly, and the macrophages in the pregnant corpora lutea maintain the structure and function of lutein cells.