Prostaglandin E receptor 2 mediates the inducible effects of prostaglandin E-2 on expression of growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometrial epithelial cells and explants

Prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) is able to induce the expression of several growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometria. However, the specific type of PGE(2) receptors which mediates this effect is not fully clear. In this study, the role of prostaglandin E receptor 2 (PTGER2) in PGE(2)-mediated induction of growth factors and enzymes expression in cattle endometrial explants and epithelial cells were investigated. PTGER2 was blocked by a PTGER2 antagonist, AH6809, before PGE(2) treatment, then the mRNA and protein expression levels of several growth factors and enzymes were compared with that in PGE(2) alone treatment group by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis in endometrial epithelial cells and explants. Results indicated that PGE(2) significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of these growth factors and enzymes, while the rates of increment in the expression of these growth factors and enzymes were inhibited by AH6809. In addition, a PTGER2 agonist, butaprost, significantly increased the expression levels of these growth factors and enzymes, and the effect could be blocked by AH6809. In conclusion, PTGER2 was found to be one dominant receptor mediating the inducible effects of PGE(2) on the expression of these growth factors and enzymes in cattle endometrial explants and epithelial cells.