Changes in fluid composition and expression of ion channels in rat cervix during different phases of the estrus cycle.

We investigated changes in the composition of cervical fluid at different phases of the female rat reproductive cycle. Fluid was collected from the cervix of rats by direct cervical flushing and analyzed for changes in Na+ and Cl- content and osmolarity. Following sacrifice, the cervix was harvested and expressions of mRNA and protein for ENaCs, CFTR and AQPs were measured using qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Cervical fluid Na+ and Cl- content was high during estrus, but osmolarity was high during metestrus and diestrus. Expressions of CFTR, AQP-1 and AQP-2 in the cervix were high during estrus, but low during diestrus. Expression of ENaC (α, β, γ), AQP-5 and AQP-7 was high during metestrus and diestrus and low during estrus. Changes in expression of ion channels in the cervix could explain changes in cervical fluid composition during the estrus cycle phases that could affect female fertility.