Comparative aspects of maternal recognition of pregnancy between sheep and pigs.

Sheep conceptuses secrete a protein, oTP-1, between Days 10 and 21 of gestation which is responsible for establishment of pregnancy. oTP-1 inhibits uterine production of luteolytic amounts of PGF-2 alpha (PGF) produced in response to oestradiol and oxytocin. oTP-1 does not compete with oxytocin for binding to oxytocin receptors, but may interfere with oxytocin stimulation of the inositol phospholipid system. Pig conceptuses secrete oestrogens between Days 10 and 15 of pregnancy which are essential for establishment of pregnancy. Oestrogens, directly or indirectly, alter secretion of PGF from an endocrine direction (towards uterine vasculature) to an exocrine direction (towards the uterine lumen). PGF sequestered in the uterine lumen is unavailable to exert a luteolytic effect on the CL. Pig conceptus secretory proteins stimulate uterine production of PGF and PGE. Conceptus secretory proteins of sheep and pigs include proteins which have antiviral activity and may be considered interferons. In sheep, oTP-1 has both antiluteolytic and antiviral properties. The specific pig conceptus secretory proteins(s) possessing antiviral activity has not been established. Unlike oTP-1, however, it does not appear to possess antiluteolytic activity.