Investigation of MUC1 and MUC16 Expressions in Uterine Tissue of Kangal or Kangal Cross-Bred Bitches in Prooestrus, Metoestrus-Dioestrus and Anoestrus Periods of Sexual Cycles

Mucins are glycoprotein molecules found in mucus secretion. They have important functions in the reproductive system such as sperm motility, elimination of bacterial damage and facilitating implantation. In this study, MUC1 and MUC16 expressions in uterine tissues of Kangal or Kangal cross-bred bitchs in proestrus, metoestrus-dioestrus and anoestrus sexual periods were investigated by immunohistochemical method. Uterine tissues of 15 healthy and adopted Kangal or Kangal cross-bred bitches aged 3-6 years were used in the study. The biches were divided into 3 groups according to sexual cycle periods as proestrus (n=5), metaestrus-dioestrus (n=3) and anaestrus (n=7). As a result, MUC1 was found to be expressed in both cornu and corpus uteri epithelial cells, crypt epithelial cells, uterine gland cells, stratum vascularis, myometrium and perimetrium layers in canine uterus. When oestrus cycles were compared, it was found that expression increased more in the metoestrus-dioestrus phase compared to other phases. Expression of MUC16 was observed in the cornu uteri during the metoestrus-dioestrus phase. In this study, MUC1 and MUC16 were determined to be expressed in the uterine tissue of bitches and their release was found to be affected by hormones.