Mechanisms for the Establishment of Pregnancy in the Pig

Contents Establishment of pregnancy in pigs requires continuous function of corpora lutea and endometrial preparation for embryo implantation. Progesterone regulates expression of many proteins necessary for endometrial remodelling and embryo–maternal communications. Attaining the uterine receptivity involves progesterone priming and loss of progesterone receptors in the uterine epithelium before days 10–12 after oestrus. Spermatozoa and oocytes in oviduct alter secretion of specific proteins that exert beneficial effect on gametes and embryos. Moreover, an appropriate leucocyte activation and maintenance of delicate cytokine balance within the oviduct and uterus are important for early pregnancy. This early local immune response is rather mediated by seminal plasma components. These components also influence prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the oviduct that is important for gamete and embryo transport. Pregnancy establishment requires the biphasic pattern of oestrogen secretion by conceptuses on days 11–12 and 15–30. Conceptus affects lipid signalling system consisting of prostaglandins and lysophosphatic acid. PG synthesis is changed by conceptus signals in favour of luteoprotective PGE 2 . Additionally, existence of PGE 2 positive feedback loop in the endometrium contributes to increased PGE 2 /PGF 2α ratio during the peri‐implantation period. PGE 2 through endometrial PGE 2 receptor (PTGER2) elevates the expression of enzymes involved in PGE 2 synthesis. Higher PGE 2 secretion in uterine lumen coincides with the elevated expression of HOXA10 transcription factor critical for implantation. A stable adhesion between conceptus and endometrium requires reduction in mucin‐1 on the apical surface of epithelium and integrin activation by extracellular matrix proteins. Furthermore, growth factors, cytokines and its receptors are involved in embryo–maternal interactions.