Expression of SWAP-70 in the uterus and feto-maternal interface during embryonic implantation and pregnancy in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

SWAP-70 is a unique signaling protein involved in multiple processes including lymphatic cell activation, migration, adhesion, and cytoskeleton organization. Its role in reproductive system remains to be unclear. In the present study, the spatial and temporal expression of SWAP-70 in the uterus during normal menstrual cycle as well as on the feto-maternal interface during pregnancy was investigated in the rhesus monkey by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. It was shown that SWAP-70 was mainly expressed in glandular epithelial cells of uterine endometrium, and the level peaked at the mid-secretory stage. At the beginning of embryonic implantation, SWAP-70 was intensely expressed at the implantation site, mainly localized in glandular and luminal epithelial cells, as well as in primary trophoblasts and epithelial plaque. High level of SWAP-70 was observed in villous cytotrophoblast (VCT), syncytiotrophoblast (ST), column cytotrophoblast, trophoblast shell, interstitial trophoblast, and endovascular trophoblast during gestational days 15–25. From gestational day 50 to term, expression of SWAP-70 decreased evidently and was restricted in VCT cells. What’s more, SWAP-70 co-localized with F-actin on the feto-maternal interface, especially in highly motive extravillous trophoblasts. The data indicate that SWAP-70 may be involved in regulating motility of trophoblast cells during embryonic implantation and placentation.