Expression of transforming growth factor-β isoforms and their receptors in utero-vaginal junction of hen oviduct in presence or absence of resident sperm with reference to sperm storage

Our goal was to determine whether transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta) isoforms were involved in the process of sperm survivability in the sperm-storage tubules (SST) in the utero-vaginal junction (UVJ) of hen oviduct. The birds were artificially inseminated. The mRNA expressions of three types of TGFP isoforms (TGF beta 2, TGF beta 3, and TGF beta 4) and three types of receptors (T beta R1, T beta R2, and T beta R3) were examined in the presence or in the absence of resident sperm in SST by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR. The mRNA expression of TGF beta s and T beta Rs in sperm was also examined. Immunocytochemistry and western blot were performed for T beta R2 to confirm its localization in UVJ. The sperm were observed at least 10 days after insemination by histology. The mRNA expressions of TGF beta s and T beta Rs were significantly increased in UVJ in the presence of resident sperm in SST. The mRNA expressions of TGF beta s and T beta Rs were also observed in sperm. Immunohistochemistry revealed that T beta R2 were located in lymphocytes in UVJ and SST cells. The presence of T beta R2 in UVJ was also confirmed by western blot. These results suggest that enhanced expressions of TGF beta s and T beta Rs in UVJ may protect sperm in SST, probably by suppressing anti-sperm immunoreactions.