ADAMTS-1/METH-1 and TIMP-3 expression in the primate corpus luteum: Divergent patterns and stage-dependent regulation during the natural menstrual cycle

Studies were designed to determine if ADAMTS-1 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin repeats-1) is expressed in the rhesus monkey corpus luteum (CL), is regulated by endocrine (LH) or local (progesterone) factors, and is correlated with tissue inhibitor of matrix metalioproteinase-3 (TIMP-3), an inhibitor of ADAMTS-1. PCR analyses indicated that ADAMTS-1 mRNA is expressed in luteinized granulosa cells during controlled ovarian stimulation cycles, and peaks in CL during the early luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, before decreasing (P < 0.05) by the mid-late stage. Immunostaining for ADAMTS-1 was detected in luteal cells, peaking in early CL. LH and/or steroid depletion at mid-late luteal stage decreased (P < 0.05) ADAMTS-1 mRNA levels compared to controls; LH but not progestin (R5020) replacement prevented this decrease. In contrast, LH and/or steroid ablation-replacement in the early CL did not affect ADAMTS-1 levels. TIMP-3 mRNA levels were lowest during the early CL and rose progressively (P < 0.05), peaking in late CL. The divergent expression patterns during the CL lifespan suggest that an imbalance between ADAMTS-1 and TIMP-3 is important during luteal formation (ADAMTS-1 predominates) and regression (TIMP-3 predominates). Also, LH, perhaps via steroids other than progesterone, promotes ADAMTS-1 expression as a function of the stage of the CL.