Dynamics of CD3⁺ T-cell distribution throughout the estrous cycle and gestation in the bovine endometrium

J Reprod Dev. 2013 Dec 17;59(6):507-11. doi: 10.1262/jrd.2012-200. Epub 2013 Aug 15.

Abstract

T cells are the dominant lymphocytes in the endometrium and are considered to play a crucial role in implantation and in the maintenance of gestation through cytokine production and immune regulation. The mechanisms underlying immunoregulation at the feto-maternal interface are still obscure for this complex system. Understanding the role of T cells is a key factor in understanding the endometrial immune system. In this study, the distribution of endometrial CD3⁺ T cells in bovines was examined by immunohistochemical analysis. The estrous cycle and gestation was divided into 4 stages, and the number of CD3⁺-positive T cells was counted in each stage. CD3⁺ cells were found in the endometrium in significant numbers throughout the estrous cycle and were mostly located in the subepithelial area. The number of CD3⁺ cells significantly increased in the early and mid-luteal phases but decreased after implantation with the progression of gestation. No T cells were found in the placentome or specifically in the tissues near the fetus, including the trophoblastic area. In addition, very few T cells were found in stromal regions close to the myometrium of the endometrium. These findings suggest that downregulation of bovine endometrial CD3⁺ T-cell functions is closely related to the successful maintenance of gestation in a spatiotemporal manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Abattoirs
  • Animals
  • Animals, Inbred Strains
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • CD3 Complex / metabolism
  • Cattle
  • Cell Count
  • Down-Regulation*
  • Embryo Implantation
  • Endometrium / cytology
  • Endometrium / immunology*
  • Endometrium / metabolism
  • Estrous Cycle / immunology*
  • Estrous Cycle / metabolism
  • Female
  • Immune Tolerance
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Japan
  • Luteal Phase / immunology
  • Luteal Phase / metabolism
  • Placenta / cytology
  • Placenta / immunology
  • Placenta / metabolism
  • Placentation
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Maintenance*
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • CD3 Complex