Abstract
Adequate corpus luteum (CL) function is paramount to successful pregnancy. Structural and functional CL integrity is controlled by diverse cell types that contribute and respond to the local cytokine milieu. The chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) and receptor, CXCR4, are modulators of inflammation and cell survival, but little is understood about CXCL12-CXCR4 axis and CL functional regulation. Corpora lutea from control nonpregnant ewes (n = 5; day 10 estrous cycle (D10C)) and pregnant ewes (n = 5/day) on days 20 (D20P) and 30 (D30P) post-breeding were analyzed for gene and protein expression of CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory cytokines. In separate cell culture studies, cytokine production was evaluated following CXCL12 treatment. Abundance of CXCL12 and CXCR4 increased (P < 0.05) in pregnant ewes compared to nonpregnant ewes, as determined by a combination of quantitative PCR, immunoblot, and immunofluorescence microscopy. CXCR4 was detected in steroidogenic and nonsteroidogenic cells in ovine CL, and select pro-inflammatory mediators were greater in CL from pregnant ewes. In vitro studies revealed greater abundance of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) following CXCL12 administration (P = 0.05), while P4 levels in cell media were unchanged. Fully functional CL of pregnant ewes is characterized by increased abundance of inflammatory cytokines which may function in a luteotropic manner. We report concurrent increases in CXCL12, CXCR4, and select inflammatory mediators in ovine CL as early pregnancy progresses. We propose CXCL12 stimulates production of select cytokines, rather than P4 in the CL to assist in CL establishment and survival.