Hexokinase 2 drives glycogen accumulation in equine endometrium at day 12 of diestrus and pregnancy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Secretion of histotroph during the prolonged pre-implantation phase in mares is crucial to pregnancy maintenance, manifested as increased embryonic loss in mares with age-related endometrial degeneration. Glycogen content of uterine histotroph is higher during the progesterone-dominated phase of the estrous cycle in mares, but regulatory mechanisms are not well understood.

Methods

mRNA expression of glycogen-metabolizing enzymes (HK1, HK2, GSK3B, GYS1, PEPCK, PKM, PYGM) in endometrial samples were compared among mares in anestrus, estrus, and at Day 12 of diestrus and pregnancy. In addition, hexokinase 2 (HK2) activity was assessed using a colorimetric assay.

Results

HK2 was the key regulator of glycogen accumulation during diestrus and pregnancy; hexokinas

SUBMITTER: Bramer SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5217302 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature