Alternation of cytosolic carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes during deciduomatal development in pregnant mice.

Objective: To analyze the activity of cytosolic carbonic anhydrases (CAs) during the pre- and postimplantation stages of pregnancy in mice. Furthermore, to investigate the CA activity in mice in which abortion was induced by injection of substance P.

Design: Controlled animal experiment.

Setting: University research laboratory.

Animal(s): A total of 75 ICR mice (weight between 20-25 g) that showed two consecutive 4-day cycles.

Intervention(s): Substance P (2.4 microg/g) or CA inhibitor (100 microg/g), or both, were administered. Decidualized uterine tissues were collected on days 0.5-10.5 after administration.

Main Outcome Measure(s): The activity, protein expression pattern, and mRNA level of decidual cytosolic CAs.

Results: The abortion induced by injection of substance P led to an aberrant expression of cytosolic CA and a decreased number of embryos. Furthermore, substance P-induced abortion could be effectively inhibited by CA inhibitors.

Conclusions: Cytosolic CAs, especially CA II, may act as negative regulators in implantation, development, and maintenance of the pregnancy and therefore, this information could be further applied in developing therapies for human sterility.