Date of Award

Fall 2006

Project Type

Thesis

Program or Major

Animal Science

Degree Name

Master of Science

First Advisor

David H Townson

Abstract

Endothelial cells derived from the corpus luteum (CLENDOs) exhibit a diverse array of characteristics that seemingly complement their wide-ranging properties in luteal function and fate. Reproductive status of the animal (i.e., non-pregnant vs. pregnant) may contribute to the phenotypic/physiologic diversity of microvascular endothelial cells, but information in this regard is limited. Here, structural and functional attributes of CLENDOs derived from the estrous cycle (Days 9-12) were compared with those of pregnancy (Day 60). Initially, lectin binding properties were examined in the cells. Using fluorescent-tagged lectins for Bandeiraea simplicifolia I or concanavalin A, flow cytometric analysis indicated that lectin-binding on CLENDOs of the estrous cycle did not differ from those of pregnancy (P > 0.05). Next, the CLENDOs were exposed to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF; 50 ng/ml) and/or interferon gamma (IFNG; 30 ng/ml) to assess cytokine-induced intracellular signaling [inhibitor kappa B alpha (IkappaBalpha) degradation and induction of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1)], production of cytokines [TNF and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (CCL2)], and cell death. These results indicate that several attributes of CLENDOs from the estrous cycle are retained by those of early pregnancy, including lectin binding properties, activation of specific cytokine-initiated intracellular signals, and the instigation of cytokine-induced inflammatory events. (Abstract shortened by UMI.).

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