The Effects of Thyroxine on the Expression of Uterine Receptivity Proteins during Peri-Implantation Period in Rat
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Objective: Endometrium transforms into a receptive state before embryo implantation, influenced by sex-steroid hormones. The effect of thyroid hormone in implantation processes is documented, however, has never been identified on uterine receptivity development. We performed an in-vivo study to investigate the effects of thyroxine on uterine receptivity proteins during peri-implantation period. Methods: Hypothyroidism was induced in twelve weeks aged female rats by giving methimazole orally (0.03% in drinking water) for 21 days. Once hypothyroid, the female rats were mated with fertile male rats by 1:1 ratio. Once pregnant, thyroxine (20, 40, and 80 µg/kg/day) was given subcutaneously for 3 days. On day 4 of pregnancy, rats were sacrificed and uterine tissue was harvested for analysis of uterine receptivity markers; Integrin αvβ3, E-cadherin, Muscle-segment homeobox-1 (Msx-1), and Indian hedgehog (Ihh). Results: Expression of Integrin αvβ3, E-cadherin, Msx-1 and Ihh proteins decreased in hypothyroid pregnant rats but increased following treatment with thyroxine at doses of 20, 40, and 80µg/kg/day. Integrin αvβ3, E-cadherin, Msx-1 and Ihh were distributed in the stroma. Msx-1 was also distributed in the luminal and glandular epithelium. Conclusions: Thyroxine is required for uterine receptivity development during peri-implantation where impairment of this event in hypothyroidism may lead to infertility.
Authors: Abu Sadat Md Sayem, Naguib Salleh
Institutions: AIMST University, University of Malaya
Language: English
Subfield: Immunology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4413825923