Klein, ClaudiaMacedo da Silva, Alysson2017-05-022017-05-0220172017Macedo da Silva, A. (2017). Conceptus-derived Fibrinogen and its Implication in Equine Pregnancy (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25409http://hdl.handle.net/11023/3804The equine conceptus presents an extensive mobile stage from days 9 to 16 after ovulation, during which it becomes fixed to one of the uterine horns. Throughout mobility, the conceptus secretes fibrinogen (an integrin-binding ECM). We hypothesized that conceptus-derived fibrinogen is converted into fibrin and aids in fixation via integrin receptors. We determined that RGD-binding integrins are expressed in endometrial and embryonic/fetal cells and interact with fibrinogen. Moreover, endometrial and embryonic cells presented the machinery to convert fibrinogen into fibrin and maintain the fibrin network. Overall, we demonstrated that conceptus-derived fibrinogen is likely converted to fibrin at the embryo-maternal interface and mediates cell adhesion via RGD-binding integrins.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.Veterinary ScienceHorseReproductionEmbryoEquine PregnancyConceptus Fixationmaster thesis10.11575/PRISM/25409