Uterine luminal fluid proteins in goats during various reproductive stages (Follicular stage, luteal stage, and early pregnancy)
Author(s): Surya Prakash Pannu, Govind Narayan Purohit and Devendra Prasad Pateer
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the changes in uterine luminal fluid proteins during various reproductive stages using goat genitalia obtained from a slaughterhouse. Three groups of genital tracts were classified: early pregnancy (n = 13), luteal phase (n = 21), and follicular phase (n = 26). After the genitalia were dissected, Eppendorf tubes were used to gather samples of uterine fluid. The uterine fluid samples were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis examination. The molecular weights of the protein bands were determined by comparing their migration rates on the gel with those of protein markers that had known molecular weights. Molecular weights of 198.15, 168.27, 149.64, 118.83, 75.26, 50.33, 46.09, 37.69, 32.96, 21.05, and 15.76 kilodaltons (kDa) were determined by comparing these fractions with those of the standards. Proteins having molecular weights of 46.09 kilodalton were only found in the follicular phase. All reproductive stages showed the presence of proteins with molecular weights of 50.33, 37.69, and 32.96 kDa; however, the greater amounts were noted in the early stages of pregnancy. During early pregnancy, 15.76 kDa fraction of proteins was seen. In both the luteal and follicular phases, proteins with molecular weights of 168.27, 149.64, 118.83, and 75.26 kDa were detected; however, the greater amounts were noted in the follicular phase. All reproductive stages showed the presence of a protein with a molecular weight of 198.15 kDa, although it was unique to the follicular phase. It was concluded that, a greater proportion of low molecular weight proteins develop during early pregnancy and a majority of high molecular weight proteins appear during the follicular phase in the uterus of goats.
