Generation of myometrium-specific Bmal1 knockout mice for parturition analysis

Reprod Fertil Dev. 2012;24(5):759-67. doi: 10.1071/RD11164.

Abstract

Human and rodent studies indicate a role for circadian rhythmicity and associated clock gene expression in supporting normal parturition. The importance of clock gene expression in tissues besides the suprachiasmatic nucleus is emerging. Here, a Bmal1 conditional knockout mouse line and a novel Cre transgenic mouse line were used to examine the role of myometrial Bmal1 in parturition. Ninety-two percent (22/24) of control females but only 64% (14/22) of females with disrupted myometrial Bmal1 completed parturition during the expected time window of 5p.m. on Day 19 through to 9a.m. on Day 19.5 of gestation. However, neither serum progesterone levels nor uterine transcript expression of the contractile-associated proteins Connexin43 and Oxytocin receptor differed between females with disrupted myometrial Bmal1 and controls during late gestation. The data indicate a role for myometrial Bmal1 in maintaining normal time of day of parturition.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / genetics*
  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • ARNTL Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Animals
  • Biological Clocks / genetics
  • Female
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Myometrium / metabolism*
  • Organ Specificity / genetics
  • Parturition* / genetics
  • Parturition* / metabolism
  • Parturition* / physiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • ARNTL Transcription Factors
  • Bmal1 protein, mouse