Abstract：
Aquaporins (AQPs) are involved in water homeostasis in tissues and are ubiquitous in the reproductive tract. AQPs are classified into classical aquaporins (AQP0, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 8), aquaglycerolporins (AQP3, 7, 9, and 10) and superaquaporins (AQP11 and 12). Nine AQPs were described in the mammalian female reproductive tract. Some of their functions are influenced by sexual steroid hormones. The continuous physiological changes that occur throughout the sexual cycle, pregnancy and parturition, modify the expression of AQPs, thus creating at every moment the required water homeostasis. AQPs in the ovary regulate follicular development and ovulation. In the vagina and the cervix, AQPs are involved mainly in lubrication. In the uterus, AQPs are mostly mediated by estradiol and progesterone to prepare the endometrium for possible embryo implantation and fetal development. In the placenta, AQPs are responsible for the fluid support to the fetus to maintain fetal homeostasis that ensures correct fetal development as pregnancy goes on. This review is focused on understanding the role of AQPs in the mammalian female reproductive tract during the sexual cycle of pregnancy and parturition.
摘要：
水通道蛋白（AQP）参与组织中的水稳态，并且在生殖道中普遍存在。AQP分为经典水通道蛋白（AQP0、1、2、4、5、6和8），aquaglycerolporins(AQP3、7、9和10)和超水通道蛋白(AQP11和12)。在哺乳动物雌性生殖道中描述了9个AQP。它们的一些功能受到性类固醇激素的影响。整个性周期发生的持续生理变化，怀孕和分娩，修改AQPs的表达，从而在每时每刻创造所需的水稳态。卵巢中的AQP调节卵泡发育和排卵。在阴道和子宫颈，AQP主要涉及润滑。在子宫里,AQP主要由雌二醇和孕酮介导，为可能的胚胎着床和胎儿发育准备子宫内膜。在胎盘里,AQP负责对胎儿的液体支持，以维持胎儿的体内平衡，以确保在怀孕过程中正确的胎儿发育。这篇综述的重点是了解AQP在怀孕和分娩的性周期中在哺乳动物女性生殖道中的作用。
