@article{oai:obihiro.repo.nii.ac.jp:00000468, author = {Maeda, Kanami and Lee, Dong-Soo and Yanagimoto, Ueta Yoshiko and Suzuki, Hiroshi}, issue = {4}, journal = {Journal of Reproduction and Development}, month = {}, note = {application/pdf, Rat uterine sensitization-associated gene-1 (USAG-1) mRNA is expressed in the uterus during the peri-implantation period, and its mRNA expression in uterine epithelial cells is highest on day 5 of pregnancy. On the other hand, since changes in USAG-1 mRNA expression in the mouse uterus are not seen during the estrous cycle, USAG-1 expression might be specifically regulated by embryonic factors rather than by the maternal environment. However, the expression pattern and function of USAG-1 in the mouse uterus have not been determined. Thus, we examined the tissue-specific USAG-1 mRNA expression in the uteri of ICR mice during peri-implantation using real-time quantitative PCR. Uterine tissues, such as the myometrium, luminal epithelium, and stroma, were collected by laser capture microdissection at 3.5-6.5 dpc. USAG-1 mRNA was expressed in the uteri of pregnant mice from 3.5 dpc to 6.5 dpc, and the highest level of expression was seen at 4.5 dpc (P<0.01). Significantly high USAG-1 mRNA expression was detected in the luminal epithelium at 4.5 dpc (P<0.05). The stroma and myometrium exhibited unchanged expression levels of USAG-1 mRNA at 3.5-5.5 dpc. USAG-1 mRNA was undetectable in blastocysts and implanting embryos. Expression of USAG-1 mRNA appears to be associated with blastocyst implantation to the luminal epithelium, suggesting that physiological or biochemical contact of the blastocyst to the uterus is required for USAG-1 expression.}, pages = {931--936}, title = {Expression of Uterine Sensitization-Associated Gene-1 (USAG-1) in the Mouse Uterus During the Peri-Implantation Period}, volume = {53}, year = {2007} }