BACKGROUND: There are currently insufficient data on the population of endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells in farm animals. OBJECTIVES: With the aim of identifying a potential population of epithelial stem/progenitor cells in the porcine and bovine endometrium, this study immunohistochemically examined the expression patterns of the oestrogen and progesterone receptors, as well as that of the embryonal stem cell marker SOX2. METHODS: A total of 24 endometrial tissue samples obtained from cycling pigs (n = 12) and cows (n = 12) were included in our study. Each endometrium was divided into basal, middle and luminal portions. The percentage of marker-positive cells and the intensity of the immunoreaction in each portion of the endometrium were determined. RESULTS: Inverse expression patterns of SOX2 and progesterone receptors were found in both animal species throughout the oestrous cycle. Strong diffuse SOX2 expression was detected in the basal portions of the glands, while a significant decrease in positivity and a weak immunoreaction were found in the luminal two thirds of the glandular epithelium. Strong progesterone receptor expression was observed in at least 90% of glandular cells in the middle and luminal portions, whereas weak staining and significant decrease in positivity were detected in the basal portions of the glands. One oestrogen receptor expression pattern resembled that of progesterone receptors. CONCLUSION: The inverse expression patterns of SOX2 and hormone (especially progesterone) receptors suggest that endometrial epithelial stem/progenitor cells represent a subset of cells that reside in the basal portions of the endometrial glands in both the bovine and porcine endometrium.

CGB Laboratory Inc Ostrava Czech Republic

Cytohisto s r o Břeclav Czech Republic

Department of Anatomy Histology and Embryology Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Veterinary Sciences Brno Brno Czech Republic

Department of Pathobiology Institute of Morphology University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna Vienna Austria

Department of Pathology Znojmo Hospital Znojmo Czech Republic

Department of Sexology Psychiatric Clinic Faculty of Medicine Charles University Pilsen Pilsen Czech Republic

Institute of Sexology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Prague Czech Republic

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