CRH expression and function in mouse uterus during early pregnancy.

CONTEXT: Embryo implantation and decidualization are essential to the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. However, the underlying mechanism on embryo implantation and decidualization remains unclear. Although the regulation and role of hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) during early pregnancy have been extensively studied, uterine CRH is still poorly defined.

AIMS: This study examined CRH expression in mouse uterus during early pregnancy and evaluated the regulation and role of CRH during embryo implantation and decidualization.

METHODS

Immunofluorescence was used to show CRH protein concentrations in mouse uterus. The inhibitor for CRH receptor CRHR1 and recombinant CRH protein were applied to analyze the function of CRH on mouse in vitro decidualization.

KEY

RESULTS

CRH is expressed in luminal epithelium of mouse uterus from Day 1 to Day 4 of pregnancy. At implantation site on Day 5 of pregnancy, CRH is strongly localized in primary decidua. Verucerfont, a CRHR1 inhibitor, significantly suppresses mouse in vitro decidualization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that CRH is strong expressed in primary decidua and should play a role during mouse decidualization.

IMPLICATIONS: This result should shed lights on understanding the underlying mechanism during embryo implantation and decidualization.