Expression of galectin-3 in mouse endometrium and its effect during embryo implantation

This study investigated the expression pattern of galectin-3 (Gal-3) in mouse endometrium during early pregnancy and its function during embryo implantation. The expression of Gal-3 was measured at the mRNA level using real-time PCR and at the protein level using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The expression of Gal-3 mRNA and protein in the pregnant group was higher than in the non-pregnant group, and mRNA and protein expression reached their maximum levels on days 4 and 2, respectively. Immunohistochemistry results showed that Gal-3 protein presented in luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium and reached its maximum on days 6-8 and days 2-4 after pregnancy, respectively. The number of embryos implanted decreased substantially when Gal-3 was knocked down in mouse endometrium. In conclusion, increased Gal-3 expression after pregnancy is required for embryo implantation. (C) 2011, Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.