We studied the expression of pluripotency factor Oct-4 and the intensity of apoptosis in the uterus during spontaneous and immune abortions in mice. Increased expression of factor Bax and reduced protein Bcl-2 synthesis in cells of the decidual membrane and decreased Oct-4 expression in the myometrium and perimetrium were detected. Thus, both spontaneous and immune-dependent abortions impair the apoptosis processes in the decidua and the formation of a pool of Oct-4+ cells in the uterus. In immune-dependent abortions, the intensity of apoptosis of decidual cells was lower than in spontaneous abortion. Low expression of the transcription factor Oct-4 in the myometrium and perimetrium characterizes pregnancy failure irrespective of its mechanisms.
Keywords: Oct-4; apoptosis; miscarriage; pregnancy; uterus.
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