ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE AND β-GLUCURONIDASE ACTIVITY IN THE RAT UTERUS DURING EARLY PREGNANCY

Abstract

SUMMARY Uterine alkaline phosphatase and β-glucuronidase activity were assayed during the first 8 days of pregnancy in rats after unilateral tubal ligation and section. The results were as follows. Alkaline phosphatase increased in the pregnant horn from days 5 to 8 while the activity of the nonpregnant horn remained unaltered. This enhanced phosphatase activity was localized exclusively at the implantation sites. β-Glucuronidase steadily decreased during the first 8 days of pregnancy in both the gravid and non-gravid horns. The occurrence of a 'peak' in β-glucuronidase activity during the oestrogen surge on day 4 of pregnancy reported previously by Prahlad (1962) was not observed. The results are discussed in relation to an interaction between the implanting blastocyst and the hormonally conditioned uterus.