Regulatory effect of IFN-gamma on expression of TGF-beta 1, T beta R-II, and StAR in corpus luteum of pregnant rhesus monkey.

AIM: To examine expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) and TGF beta receptor II (T beta R-II) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the corpus luteum (CL) of pregnant monkeys at various stages and to study possible effect of IFN-gamma on their production. METHODS: In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect mRNA and protein. RESULTS: The expression of StAR, TGF-beta 1, and T beta R-II in the pregnant monkey CL was progressively decreased from d 15 to d 35 of gestation. IFN-gamma down-regulated the expression of TGF-beta 1, T beta R-II, as well as StAR. CONCLUSION: TGF-beta 1 may play an important role in the CL formation and functional maintaining; IFN-gamma down-regulates the expression of TGF-beta 1, T beta R-II, and StAR.