Expression of Leukemia Inhibitory Factor mRNA and Its Localization in the Endometrium of Early Pregnant Mouse

Purpose To investigate the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor(LIF)mRNA and the location of LIF protein in the endometrium of early pregnant mouse. Methods The LIFmRNA expression was measured by RT?PCR,and the location of LIF protein was determined by immunohistochemistry(ABC method). Results The mRNA expression of LIF was increased during the period of early pregnancy,and went up to the highest level on day 4, then down to pre pregnant level on day 7.LIF was mainly located in luminal and glandular epithelium of endometrium,and the maximal staining of LIF on day 4.No staining was observed in the stromal cells. Conclusions The highest level of LIF on day 4 was coincided with the time of mouse blastocyst implantation.The result documented that LIF might be involved in onset of implantation.LIF may be involveed in embryo implantation via its paracrine/autocrine.