Detection of the Matrix Metalloproteinases MMP-2 and MMP-9 and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in Llama (Lama glama) Oviduct

RENATO ZAMPINI; MARTIN EDUARDO ARGAÑARAZ; DORA CRISTINA MICELI; SILVANA ANDREA APICHELA

REPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS (1990)

WILEY-BLACKWELL PUBLISHING, INC

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2014 vol. 49 p. 492 - 498

0936-6768

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors (TIMPs) are involved in several reproductive events like oocyte-spermatozoa interaction and semen liquefaction. In order to study their role in the llama oviductal reproductive process, MMP activity in oviductal fluid (OF) was assayed. Considering that llama genome sequences are partially known, a strategy to procure cDNA sequences of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was designed. Afterwards, their expression patterns in the different llama oviductal segments were assayed. Gelatine zymograms detected 62 and 94 kDa protease activities that matched MMP-2 and pro-MMP-9, respectively. Expression pattern analysis showed that MMP and TIMP mRNAs were present in ampulla, isthmus, utero-tubal junction (UTJ) and papilla. Altogether, these findings support the argument that MMPs/TIMPs are produced in the oviduct and secreted into the oviductal lumen. Our results encourage further studies to elucidate the role of these proteins in reproductive oviductal events.