Reproduction Abstracts

Mating is a source of signals to the female reproductive tract to ensure reproductive success. Previously, we reported that mating induces the expression of carbohydrate sulfotransferase 10 (CHST10) in the rat endosalpynx. This enzyme participates in the sulfation of the carbohydrate motif named human natural killer 1 (HNK1), synthesized over membrane proteins and lipids. Both molecules, CHST10 and HNK1, are involved in cell-to-cell interactions. Herein, we determined the effect of mating on the localization and level of the sulfated HNK1 (sHNK1) in the rat endosalpynx. Sprague–Dawley female rats were caged with fertile males at 22 h of pro-oestrous and 30 min later we verified the presence of spermatozoa in the vaginal smear. Mated rats were isolated and 3 h later oviduct or endosalpynx was removed and processed by immunofluorescence or western blotting respectively. The control group were non-mated rats isolated at 22 h of pro-oestrous and sacrificed 3.5 h later. We detected that sHNK1 carbohydrate motifs were localized on the luminal face of epithelial cells forming patches. The quantity of patches varied between oviductal segments: 75% in the Fimbria, 22% in the Ampulla, and 3% in the Isthmus in both conditions. On the other hand, we found six glycoprotein bands with the sHNK1 carbohydrate motif, having molecular weights of 25, 42, 45, 70, 90, and 130 kDa. The 130 kDa band was more abundant in non-mated rats than in mated rats. In conclusion, mating decreases the synthesis of sHNK1 over a 130 kDa glycoprotein in the rat endosalpynx. It suggests that mating regulates cell-to-cell interactions that take place on the luminal face of the rat endosalpynx.

Funded by FONDECYT 11121491 and FONDECYT 1120056.