Genetic knockdown (KD) of the mouse Ly49 receptor family is reported to result in infertility despite the presence of zona-enclosed blastocysts in the uterus. Ly49 receptors regulate leukocyte functions particularly Natural Killer (NK) cell functions and are analogous to human killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs). Histological analyses of gd3.5-4.5 B6.Ly49(KD) uteri identified hatched but retarded blastocysts with pyknotic nuclei, aberrant endometrial crypt formation and impaired uterine lumen closure accompanied by a lack of primary decidualization These data support peri-implantation roles for leukocytes expressing the Ly49 receptor repertoire and may give insight into KIR-based regulation of human infertility.
Keywords: Decidual leukocytes; Ly49 gene family; Mouse implantation.
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