The expression of substance P and its neurokinin-1 receptor mRNA in the bovine corpus luteum of early developmental stage

Related to all leukocytes, 90% of eosinophils are recruited into the bovine corpus luteum of early developmental stage. We here describe a simultaneou s appearance of substance P (SP)-positive fibre-like structures and the neu rokinin-l (NK-1) receptor mRNA for SP. Substance P was depicted by using in direct immunohistology and immunofluorescence localization. The dot blot an alysis confirmed the presence of SP at the protein level. Using nested reve rse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis, a 358 bp long partial bovine receptor mRNA for SP (NK-1) was sequenced in the spinal cord . The mRNA for SP and for the NK-1 receptor were then detected in the corpu s luteum of early developmental stage with RT-PCR and nested RT-PCR. We con clude: The production of SP and the expression of NK-1 receptor mRNA may be involved in the selective recruitment of eosinophils into the bovine corpu s luteum of early developmental stage. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Lt d. All rights reserved.