Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors in the porcine corpus luteum during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy

The present study was undertaken to determine the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptors, fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1) and fetal liver kinase-1/ kinase insert domain-containing receptor (Flk-1/KDR), in the porcine corpus luteum (CL) during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. Immunohistochernical studies localized proteins of VEGF ligand-receptor system in the cytoplasm of luteal cells and in some blood vessels. Western blot analysis revealed significantly higher levels of VEGF protein during early and mid-luteal phase (vs. late luteal phase; P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Quantification of VEGF mRNA in the CL showed increased mRNA levels during entire luteal phase (vs. Days 16-17; P < 0.05). Expression of Flt-1 protein remained high during luteal phase (P < 0.001), but the mRNA levels tended to increase from the early to the late luteal phase. Elevated protein expression of Flk-1/KDR was found in the mid-luteal phase (vs. Days 16-17; P < 0.05). However, induction of Flk-1/KDR mRNA expression occurred earlier, in early luteal phase. The lowest VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk1/KDR mRNA and protein levels were observed in regressed CL (P < 0.001). During pregnancy, VEGF, Flt-1 and Flk-1/KDR mRNA and protein expression was comparable to the mid-luteal phase. In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated dynamic expression of VEGF and its receptors in the porcine CL during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy. These data suggest that the VEGF ligand-receptor system may play an important role in the development and maintenance of the CL in pigs.