This study investigated the changes of plasminogen activators (PAs) activity, expression and localization of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) during the estrous cycle in pigs. Estrous cycle was sorted into three group by pre-ovulation (Pre-Ov), post-ovulation (Post-Ov) and early to mid-luteal stages (Early to mid-L). Analysis for immunohistochemistry was confirmed by location of tPA and uPA. Porcine uterus tissue was cut into 1 × 1 cm squares, and were incubated in DMEM/F-12 medium for 1 h at 38℃, 5% CO2 for measurement of PA activity. Western blotting was implemented for measurement of PA quantity. In results, the blood vessels and secretory glands were increased in Post-Ov stage than Pre-Ov and Early to mid-L stages. The tPA and uPA was located mainly within lumen of blood vessels and secretory glands. The PA activity in Post-Ov (0.99±0.03) stage were significantly (p<0.01) higher than Pre-Ov stage (0.51±0.03) and Early to mid-L stage (0.21±0.04). Expression of PAs were significantly (p<0.05) higher in Early to mid-L stage than other stages. These results indicate that PAs activity and expression may change in uterus tissue during the estrous cycle in pigs.

ABSTRACT   INTRODUCTION   MATERIALS AND METHODS    Collection and Criterion of Uterus by Estrous Cycle    PA Activity Assay    Immunohistochemistry Method    Western Blot    Statistical Analysis   RESULTS   DISCUSSION   REFERENCES

• Kang-Hyun Kim(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University)
• Yong-Seung Lee(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University)
• Ha-Na Gu(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University)
• Boo-Keun Yang(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University)
• Hee-Tae Cheong(College of Veterinary Medicine, Kangwon National University)
• Choon-Keun Park(College of Animal Life Sciences, Kangwon National University) Corresponding author