Fig. 3

Mmps modulators mRNA expression profile of matrix metalloproteinase (Mmp) modulators during ovary dynamics across hormone-induced estrous cycle in rats. Mmp inhibitors: (a) Timp1, (b) Timp2, (c) Timp3, (d) Reck; Mmp inducers: (e) Bsg and (f) Sparc. Expression levels were normalized to the average expression of control animals treated with saline solution. The statistical significances were relative to control group. * Reck level was significantly higher at folliculogenesis phase (G2); Bsg level was significantly higher during the late stage of corpus luteum maintenance (G8); Sparc levels were significantly higher at late folliculogenesis (G3) and at ovulation-luteogenesis transition to corpus luteum maintenance (G6) (p < 0.05). *** Timp1 level was significantly higher during ovulation (G4 and G5); Sparc levels were higher at late folliculogenesis (G3) and at ovulation-luteogenesis transition to corpus luteum maintenance (G5 and G6) (p < 0.001)