Inappropriate expression of human transforming growth factor (TGF)-α in the uterus of transgenic mouse causes downregulation of TGF-β receptors and delays the blastocyst-attachment reaction

ABSTRACT In the mouse, the initiation of the attachment reaction between the blastocyst trophectoderm and luminal epithelium of the receptive uterus occurs in the evening (2200-2300 h) of day 4 of pregnancy (day 1=vaginal plug) and is followed by proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells into decidual cells at the sites of blastocyst attachment. This investigation demonstrates that an inappropriate expression of the human transforming growth factor α (hTGF-α) transgene in the uterus under the direction of a mouse metallothionein-I promoter downregulates uterine expression of TGF-β receptor subtypes and delays the initiation of implantation (attachment reaction) resulting in delayed parturition. This delay in the attachment reaction is accompanied by deferred uterine expression of amphiregulin. The results suggest that a coordinated 'cross-talk' between the signaling pathways executed by epidermal growth factor-like growth factors and TGF-βs is important for the normal implantation process.