Cell Specific Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-2 (Flk-1/KDR) in Developing Mice Embryo and Supporting Maternal Uterine Tissue during Early Gestation (D4-D7)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Research Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India

2 Department of Zoology, Dhemaji College, Dhemaji, Assam, India

Abstract

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the corresponding receptors play key role in vasculogenesis
and angiogenesis processes. VEGF is one of the prime candidates in regulating embryo implantation by
increasing vascular permeability. VEGF receptor-2, also called Flk-1/KDR, is one of the prime receptor which is
actively involved in the execution of various functions of VEGF. However, precise role of this receptor during early
gestation period is yet to be addressed. In the present study, expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implantation mice
uterus as well as fetal-maternal tissues from day 4-day 7 (D4-D7) of gestation was investigated.

Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, localization of Flk-1/KDR was investigated by immunohistochemistry
and immunofluorescence techniques, in paraffin embedded tissue sections. Flk-1/KDR protein and mRNA
expressions were investigated by western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
(qRT-PCR), respectively. Effects of ovarian steroids on expression of Flk-1/KDR were also assessed by estrogen and
progesterone antagonist treatment.

Results: Uterine tissue on D4 showed strong expression of Flk-1/KDR in luminal and uterine glandular epithelium.
On D5 and D6, differential expression of Flk-1/KDR was evidenced in certain cell types of the embryo, maternal
tissues and fetal-maternal interface with varied intensity. Flk-1/KDR was specifically expressed in the ectoplacental
cone (EPC) and various cells of the embryo on D7. Flk-1/KDR expression was not evidenced in the estradiol-17β (E2)
and progesterone (P4) antagonist treated uterus. Western blotting result revealed presence of Flk-1/KDR protein in
the all gestation days, except antagonist treated uterus. qRT-PCR analysis showed significant increase of Flk-1/KDR
mRNA transcript on D6 and D7.

Conclusion: Spatial-temporal expression of Flk-1/KDR during peri-implntation period in mice uterus especially in the
feto-maternal interface was observed. This spatio-temporal specificity as well as increased expression of Flk-1/KDR
could be one of the determinants for establishment of fetal-maternal cross talk during the critical period of development.

Keywords

References

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International Journal of Fertility and Sterility
Volume 15, Issue 2
April 2021
Pages 148-157

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