Epidermal growth factor family in rhesus monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy

This study examines immunohistochemically the presence of EGF, TGF alpha, H B-EGF, AR, and EGFR, members of the EGF family in the monkey uterus during the menstrual cycle and early pregnancy. EGF, TGF alpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EG FR were mainly localized in glandular and luminal epithelium. TGF alpha, HB -EGF, and AR staining were stronger in the glandular epithelium closer to t he myometrium than in that closer to the luminal epithelium. The level of E GF, TGF alpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR staining was low on days 1 and 6, and b egan to increase on day 9 of the menstrual cycle. A high level of EGF, and EGFR staining was maintained on days 16, 20, and 25 of the menstrual cycle. The highest levels of TGF alpha, AR, and HB-EGF staining were seen on days 16 and 20 of the menstrual cycle. In early pregnancy, a low level of EGF, TGF alpha, HB-EGF, AR, and EGFR staining appeared on days 1 and 2 of pregna ncy, and then gradually increased from day 3 of pregnancy. The highest leve ls of EGF, TGF alpha, HB-EGF, and EGFR were detected on days 9, and 11 of p regnancy. Our data suggest that the EGF family may play a role in monkey im plantation. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.