In the present study, whether the ADAM-8, -9, -10, -12, -15, -17, and ADAMTS-1 proteins might play a role in mouse uterus during periimplantation period was investigated. Immunoblotting analyses demonstrated that all ADAM proteins consistently appeared throughout days 1 to 8 of pregnancy but with a variation depending on the species of ADAM gene, the progression of pregnancy, and the site of the uterus. Immunohistochemical analyses indicated that ADAM proteins were localized in the luminal or glandular epithelial layers with a varying intensity depending on the species of ADAM and the progression of pregnancy. Particularly ADAM-8, -12, and -15, were predominantly located in the implantation site of the uterine tissues, whereas little or no protein was localized in the interimplantation site. Based upon these observations, it is suggested that the ADAMs might play an important role in the remodeling of the mouse uterus during the periimplantation period.
Uterus/*metabolism ; Time Factors ; Pregnancy ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Mice ; Immunohistochemistry ; Immunoblotting ; *Gene Expression Regulation ; Female ; *Estrous Cycle ; Embryonic Development ; *Embryo Implantation ; Animals ; ADAM Proteins/*biosynthesis/*physiology