Reduced nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase activity in the uterus of NOD mice

VALERIA ROCA; LAROCCA L; CALAFAT M; AISEMBERG J; MEISS S; FRANCHI AM; LEIRÓS CP

REPRODUCTION

Bioscientifica Ltd

Lugar: Bristol, UK; Año: 2006 p. 1 - 2

1470-1626

A functional interaction between progesterone, Th2 cytokines and a suitable balance between nitric oxide and prostaglandins in the uterus is considered to have a major role in the success of embryo implantation and pregnancy. Non obese diabetic (NOD) mice offer a suitable model to study the modulatory role of Th1 cytokines on uterus signalling and function since at the prediabetic stage they develop a spontaneous Th1 autoimmune response against exocrine glands similar to Sjögren´s syndrome. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a vasoactive neuro and immunopeptide that promotes Th2 profiles and contributes to the smooth muscle relaxation and vasodilation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclo-oxygenase (COX) and the effect of VIP in the uterus of NOD mice with an emerging Th1 cytokine response. We present evidence of a reduced basal and VIP-stimulated activity of both enzymes in the uterus of NOD mice compared with normal BALB/c mice in proestrus. An altered functional interaction between both enzymes is also present in NOD mice at the time when increased levels of serum IL-12 and TNF-a but not IFN-g or IL-10 were detected. We conclude that signalling alterations in uteri of NOD mice are simultaneous to the onset of a systemic Th1 cytokine response.