Expression of ADAMTS 1-4-8 and placental growth factor in ovary and oviduct during pregnancy in the first trimester

A Disintegrin and Metalloprotease Domains with Thrombospondins Motifs (ADAMTS), proteinases responsible for the destruction of extracellular matrix structures, have essential roles in the physiological and pathological processes of the female reproductive system, which is a dynamic structure. This study aimed to evaluate the immunoreactivity of placental growth factor (PLGF) and ADAMTS' (1, -4, and -8) in the ovary and oviduct during pregnancy in the first trimester. Our findings suggest a predominant role of ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 as proteoglycan-degrading enzymes from the ADAMTS-1 in the first trimester. As an angiogenic factor, PLGF showed more immunoreactivity than ADAMTS-1 in the ovary. This study provides the first evidence that ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-8 are more expressed in ovarian cells and follicles at different developmental stages during the first trimester of pregnancy than ADAMTS-1. Consequently, we suggest that ADAMTSs and PLGF act together and may exert specific effects on the formation, stabilisation, and function (or a combination thereof) of the matrix surrounding and protecting the follicles.