Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) -1 and -2 belong to a family of heparin-binding proteins that are involved in angiogenesis as well as proliferation and differentiation of various cell types. RT-PCR and immunohistochemical analyses were used to detect these growth factors in the bovine uterus of days 60 and 210 of gestation. Each bovine uterus was divided into two distinct structures; fetal cotyledon and maternal caruncle (invasive areas), and smooth chorion and intercaruncle (noninvasive areas).

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... In RT-PCR, FGF-1 and FGF-2 mRNAs were detected in all uterine components examined. There were no differences between the expression patterns either in invasive and noninvasive areas or in specimens of days 60 and 210 of gestation. The results of immunohistochemical analysis showed positive staining of FGF-1 and FGF-2 in the cells of fetal villi and maternal uterine epithelium of day 80 placentome. Immunostaining of FGFs was more intense in the basement membrane than the other areas of the uterine epithelium. Observation in which there were no differences in the presence of mRNA or distribution pattern of proteins indicate that these FGFs may play a general role in the bovine placenta; for example, involvement in the maintenance of placental structure and function, angiogenesis, and mitogenic activity for both fetal and maternal components.