Uterine lipid alterations during early pseudopregnancy and following the artificial induction of decidualization by concanavalin A in QS mice

Lipid extracts of whole uterine tissue from mice were examined by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry during days 2, 3, and 4 of pseudopregnancy (day 1 = copulatory plug) and following the artificial induction of the decidual cell reaction (DCR) on day 4. The range of lipids identified during pseudopregnancy and their percentage composition on day 2 included saturated fatty acids (SFA, 38%), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, 20%), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 17%), sterols (25%), long chain alcohols (0.12%), and alkylglycerols (0.11%). Of these, the main components were the fatty acids 16:0 (21%), 18:0 (14%), cis18:1n‐9 (14%), 18:2n‐6 (8.5%), and cholesterol (24%). Although only subtle changes in the composition of uterine lipids occurred through days 2 and 3 of pseudopregnancy, more substantial changes were detected on day 4, at a time when the uterus normally initiates its transient “window of receptivity.” Following induction of the DCR with the lectin Concanavalin A (Con A) at this time, even greater alterations in uterine lipid composition were observed. From 20 to 1,280 min post‐Con A‐treatment the percentage composition of SFA in the treated left uterine horn changed from 43% to 64%, sterols from 19% to 4%, PUFA from 15% to 10%, while MUFA remained unchanged at 23%. The lipid profile of the untreated right uterine horn of these animals was similar to that of the Con A‐treated left uterine horn during the early stages. However, by 1,280 min substantial differences were observed, at a time corresponding with Con A‐induced uterine growth. In contrast, differences in the lipid profile of Con A‐ and saline‐treated uteri were observed at 320 min post‐treatment, a time preceding Con A‐induced uterine growth. Furthermore, the tissue concentration (nmol/mg dry weight) of SFA and sterols in uterine tissue decreased significantly following Con A treatment. The results suggest that uterine lipid changes are implicated in the development of uterine receptivity, and in the remodeling of uterine tissue for successful embryonic invasion and the establishment of pregnancy. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc