Reproductive tract epithelia are characterized by the presence of a thick, apical glycocalyx. This glycoprotein coat is drastically reduced in the uterus of many species during the time of embryo implantation. Recent studies indicate that mucin glycoproteins constitute a large proportion of the apical glycocalyx. One of these mucins, Muc-1, has particularly important functions at the luminal su...

Surfactant protein D (SP-D) plays a role in innate immunity in the lung and is expressed at many other mucosal surfaces throughout the human body. In this study, we show that SP-D mRNA and protein are present in the murine female reproductive tract; i.e. in the vagina, cervix, uterus and oviduct. SP-D protein is primarily localized to epithelial cells lining the genital tract and is also presen...

The transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily proteins are principle regulators of numerous biological functions. Although recent studies have gained tremendous insights into this growth factor family in female reproduction, the functions of the receptors in vivo remain poorly defined. TGFβ type 1 receptor (TGFBR1), also known as activin receptor-like kinase 5, is the major type 1 recepto...

Rabbit is the third most commonly used animal model in different fields of scientific research, such as reproductive biology, fertility and embryo transfer studies, and immunology. This animal species, often used in antibodies production, has minority of scientific records about the immunological status of its reproductive organs. The aim of this study was to find histological and immunological...

The male reproductive system (Figure 1) consists of a series of glandular, muscular, and ciliated tubes and diverticula dedicated to the production, storage, nourishment, and activation of spermatozoa, and to their transport into the female reproductive tract. There are three products of the system: the germ cells, the seminal fluid that bathes them when they are emitted, and hormones that regu...

introduction toxoplasma gondii is one of the most important pathogen that has adverse effect on reproductive function. evidence acquisition recent studies revealed that infection with t. gondii not only affect female reproduction, also cause male reproductive impairment. in clinical studies, high prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sterile men has been reported. in animal models, toxoplasmosis is as...