%0 Journal Article
%T Growth-differentiation factor-8 (GDF-8) in the uterus: its identification and functional significance in the golden hamster
%A Chun Lung Wong
%A Ya Yu Huang
%A Wing Kei Ho
%A Hong Kit Poon
%A Pui Lai Cheung
%A Wai Sum O
%A Pak Ham Chow
%J Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology
%D 2009
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1477-7827-7-134
%X The TGF-¦Â superfamily encompasses a large number of structurally related molecules such as TGF-¦Â1-3, growth-differentiation factors (GDF), nodal molecules, activins, inhibins and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) [1,2]. In reproduction, these molecules function in regulating immune responses in the uterus during embryogenesis and embryonic implantation [2-4]. It has been suggested that some of these molecules can be used as markers to screen various potential gestational problems like miscarriage, placental pathology and pre-eclampsia [2,5,6]. So the emergence of novel members of this family could open up more therapeutic choices. In this study, we reported the identification of a novel member of TGF-¦Â superfamily, GDF-8 in the pregnant uterus and studied its functional significance in the uterus of the golden hamster.GDF-8, also known as myostatin, was first identified in skeletal muscle [7]. As the name implies, its primary action is on skeletal muscle growth [7,8]. GDF-8 is synthesized as a precursor made up of 375 amino acids and released in an active glycosylated form (26 kDa) into the plasma [9] where it binds to the activin receptor 2B (ACVR2B) to exert its effect [8]. Recently its presence and cyclical expression in the non-pregnant uterus of the rat has been reported [10]. This expression pattern is regulated by steroid hormones [10] but its function is not known.We detected and localized in the hamster the expression of GDF-8 mRNA and its active peptide in the uterus throughout the course of pregnancy from 60 hpc (D2.5) when the embryo started to enter the uterus, to D15 shortly before delivery. In this species, embryos complete the oviduct-uterine transit by 72 hpc (D3) in preparation for attachment that begins at 78 hpc; implantation follows and is completed on D5 [11,12]. We studied the effect of GDF-8 on proliferation and differentiation of myometrial smooth muscle, endometrial epithelium and development of the blastocyt.All materials were purchased fr
%U http://www.rbej.com/content/7/1/134